The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1938-07-29
CHAPTER III-Continued

He decided to 60 home for a day
or two; to surprise them. He
dressed, packed his bag, had break
fast, and took train for Boston. If
he had sent word ahead, old Eli
would have met him; but since Phil
did not do so, there was no one at
the station. A taxi would have taken
him quickly home, but as though he
had himself been guilty of some
misdemeanor, he was suddenly re-
luctant to face them all. To put
off the hour of that encounter, he
walked over to Trinity Place and
waited for a suburban train that
would deposit him near his home.
He remembered that his grandmoth-
err, old Mrs. Sentry, always came
out for Sunday dinner and stayed
through the afternoon and for sup
per, and he was glad she would be
there. She was always sensible
and shrewd.
The train arrived and he got
aboard, and after the short run
alighted. 1t was dusk when, bag
in hand, he set out to walk to his
home, his feet tagging miserably.
Then car pulled in at the curb
beside him, and someone called in
a laughing tone; "Carry your bag,
Mister? Taxi, Mister?"
1t was Linda Dane. There had
been comradeship between them,
real affection, since they were chill
dren. He tossed his bag into the
rumble, climbed in beside her.
''Hullo, Linz he said, gripping
her hand. "Gosh, I'm glad to see
you!"
'Me too" she agreed. "Where've
you been? Where you going? What
are you home for?" She hesitated.
ooh, this beastly thing in the pa
pers, of course. Isn't it rotten! I
hope they get whoever did it and
just-just skin him alive. But it's
a shame you all have to be dragged
into It'll" She touched his hand.
s'Never mind. 1t won't last long.
I'll take you home. How's Joe?"
'Fine," Phil told her. "Saw him
yesterday"
wasn't it wonderful that you
won? The game must have been just
thrilling" She turned into his street.
"Drive around a while, can your"
he asked. 81 don't want to 60 in
yet"
She looked at him quickly. "Phil?
Are you in a jan?" She laughed
softly. ''Is it something disgrace
full? Shouldn't I be seen with your"
''Oh, no. ! just want to-"
They passed his home without
stopping and went on. "Where shall
! driver" she asked.
around the park, James!" he
told her, grinning; and he asked,
'.Lin, how are they all taking it?"
She hesitated. "Pretty hard, I'm
afraid"
Slows Barb?"
81 was with her when she first
saw the papers. She was scared,
Phil. But she's trying to-keep them
cheered up now"
'Sure! She would"
81 went home with her. She hoped
you would come"
II thought I'd better" He said:
''You and Barb and I will have to
stick together. We always have,
haven't WEI"
always have" she agreed.
'Three Musketeers."
"You always were the level-head-
ed one. I'm glad I ran into you
now. I'll be needing you, Lin"
''Pn be around. But I've got to
take you home, now, Phil. I'm
due for supper"
Right! Sorry if I've made you
late. was sort of scared to go in.
As if it were my fault"
'Everybody's that way. When
anything happens, you always want
to say, I didn't do it!' F"
He chuckled, clasped her hand
where it lay on the wheel. you're
a good kid, Lin" he said, a little
surprised at himself, wondering why
he said this. glad he had said it.
"You used to cali me brat!"
"You used to be one" he retorted.
"But you're outgrowing it. I've had
my eye on you. Oh, you play around
with the crowd, and you can be the
life Of the party and all that; but
I've noticed you keep your head,
too. When the ocean waves dash.
high, you're the stern and rock
bound coast. You'll do to take
nlonai''