The Washington times., 1938-08-29
POWERS VS.. POWERS
Daily Short Story

TT actually started when
l. Jane, fresh from her shower
one morning, found the arrow
refusing to balance, except at
120 pounds, no matter which
way she'd wriggle on the scales.
Even though Jane dieted-
there were some things one just
had to eat-the six pounds stuck
fast. This evident threat of ap'
preaching obesity drove her to
state bordering on frenzy, until
she remembered hearing about
one Doc McHale, magician IN
weight reduction.
JAMES GOOD REASONS
Now there were two good rea-
sons why Jane intended keeping
this rendezvous a secret from her
husband; in the first place Henry
inclined to horrible scenes OF
jealousy, and then, too, he'd con-
slider the whole proceeding an ab-
horrent waste of money.
But Henry never returned from
the office until almost six o'clock.
That is to say, not until the day
and hourly reason Of q head
ache-whenr his wife reclined face
down in a bathing suit, the size OF
two pocket handkerchiefs on Doc
McHale's portable table, while he
between poundings kept up a run
ming monologue.
It was with horror then that
Jane heard the sound Of a key be-
ing inserted in the door. AS Henry
possessed the only other key to
the studio, bath and real kitchen
apartment, Jane realized THIS
must be Henry.
With a sigh of relief. she re-
membered putting up the latch
for no particular reaSon-that
would prevent Henry's entry. But
it took only an instant for Henry
to realize what was wrong with
the lock.
IT heard a man talking to you; :;
open the door or I'll break 1t
down." he yelled,
There just wouldn't be any way
of explaining the presence OF DOC
McHale, plus the bathing suit on
a cold winter afternoon. to any
thing approaching Henry's salts
faction. ,
In desperation her eyes lighted
on the fire escape, leading to the
apartment of her friend, Cissle
Heaton, with whom she had a
working arrangement whereby II
speech with each other was de-
sired, they'd knock three times on
their respective radiators. II
Cissie answered the signal there
might be a way out Of this mess.
with trembling hands Jane
pushed open the window. Oh
JOY, there stood Cissie smiling up
at her from below. Listen, C1s-
sic" she whispered, ''you've got
to help me. I'm having q man
90 down by the fire escape; let
him out of your apartment. Will
you please, dear?"
In a jiffy. Doc McHale. plus
the feverishly packed case con-
tanning the portable table, had
disappeared into space, and Jane
ran to admit Henry.
What are you doing, I'd like
to know. undreSsed," he beloved,
locked in with some guy. Where
is he?" he clenched his fists
threateningly.
From nervousness Jane began
to giggle. It was afraid you'd
start a brawl so I pushed him
out" she said pointing to the fire
escape. She couldn't stop giggling,
which so enraged Henry that he
slapped her.
$50 this is what you've been
doing ever since married you"
he supposed bitterly. flinging an
assortment Of haberdashery into
a suitcase. I'm through" was
his exit, as he slammed the door
behind him.
HENRY STAYS OUT
Hours passed without news OF
Henry and Jane went to bed.
When the telephone finally came
to life next morning. she ran to
pounce on the receiver.
Alas it was only Randy CoombS,
saying, Listen Jane, can I come
IN 1.jolht ouavcn
well, hurry up," said Jane i'm
patiently, "let's get it over with"
On arrival Randy seated him
self on the green velvet couch.
This isn't going to be easy" he
began feeling himself grow red
to the roots of his hair. Il don't
known what it's all about but
An