The Washington times., 1938-03-25


sticking to Lola longer than to
any other girl.
Their engagement seemed immi'
nent Dave tried not to imagine
his future with the only girl he
would ever love as his sister-in-law.
Now and then he Joined them
of an evening. On these occasions
Lola was always just as nice to
him as she was to Jerry, which,
of course, showed how really kind
she was. One night Dave went
to the movies with them. On
their way home they stopped at
the drugstore for an ice cream
soda.
The place was crowded. Close
by sat two young men. One was
stranger, but the other was a
worthless person named Tad
Grimes, who, as usual, had been
drinking. Dave knew Tad, all
right he had reached the stage
when a straw would decide him
whether to continue to be fool
ishly amiable or whether to start
something.
Spying Lola, Tad leaned over
and greeted her loudly. Lola,
understanding, merely smiled and
said Hello" But Jerry scowled.
Dave realized that if Tad were not
placated there'd be mess, for he
could tell by his brothers expires
sion that he burned to roll up his
sleeves.
Dave didn't care, but knowing
row would embarrass Lola. re
solved to use his brains and at
tempt settlement by diplomacy.
He leaned in Tad's direction and
observed amiably:
Heard you won the pool tour
nament at the club. Congratula-
tions."
THE FUN BEGINS
At once Tad forgot his resent
ment, answered in like vein and
war was averted. But Jerry had
other ideas-Jerry with his mus
cles of steel and an ever present
desire to exhibit them.
Rising from his chair, he
stopped down to where Tad sat,
picked him up by the scruff of
the neck and the seat of the
pants and carrying him to the
door deposited him none too
gently on the sidewalk. 1mmed1'
ately the place blew up.
People who hadn't even observed
the incident took sides and Joined
the free-for-all with zest. Tables
were overturned, showcase was
broken.
Finally the distraught proprie'
tor blew a business-like police
whistle, whereupon the shop
cleared as if by magic and Dave
found himself racing down a side
street accompanied by a trium
phant Jerry and a half-crying
Lola, to whom, as they paused
Jerry turned for praise. None,
however, seemed forthcoming.
You and your he-man stuff"
she cried Indignantly. why didn't
you let Dave alone? He was using
his brains"
USE YOUR BRAINS
A few more heated words passed
between them, and then in a hutt
Jerry, who could never bear crltl.
cism, whirled on his heel ana
walked rapidly away.
Dave stared after his retreatlng
figure. So unused was he to hav'
ing any girl defend him when
Jerry was present that he couldn't
believe his ears, nor his senses
either, for at once Lola placed her
hand upon his arm quite as though
it belonged there and together
they started down the street.
For a moment they walked in
silence. then. swept by strange
new feeling of confidence, Dave
said suddenly:
Lola. Tn terribly in love with
you. I'm not so hot when 1t comes
to knocking people down, but I've
got a good job and growing bank
account. Do I stand a chance.
he broke off, thinking of brawny
handsome Jerry, whom no girl
could resist =. against some big
ger guy than II"
At that Lola stopped and, turn,
ing, put both hands on Dawes
shoulders. She looked deep into
his eyes.
II just said you had brains,
she whispered. For heavens
sake, use them"