The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-08-25
LOVE THUMBS
A RIDE
By WAYNE

rfom rage AVj
en-" Janet said soberly. I've never
been in love"
Wait until you are. Janet. Life
viii have a new meaning. You'll
know what it's all about. and then
again you won't know what any
thing is about But I mustn't keep
On talking. I've got more linen to
distribute and we've got to get
the things in these two suitcases
changed"
Eyes. My brother said he'd be
back in a short time. He mustn't
find us here together"
You won't tell him about me ,"
Not a word If you don't want
me to-" Janet agreed.
Janet breathed a sigh of relief
when the other girl took away the
suitcase containing the clothes for
which she had just exchanged her
own.
Grand Adventure
This certainly looked like the
beginning Of a grand adventure,
but Janet was not eager for John
Patterson to know about it.
That stern young man would be
more stern than eve If he knew
about this madcap adventure.
He drove an elegant car, he had
a splendid job and he had the self
assurance of a man who has never
worried particularly about any,
thing-certainly not about where
his next meal was to come from.
Yes, John Patterson would find
it hard to understand Janet's will
ingness to accept the responsible
ity of this other girl.
He would find it hard to under
stand the actions of any penniless
girl, Janet decided.
She wondered whether she actu-
ally liked or disliked this queer
young man who had become her
host in such a stirring series of
events. She almost decided that
she didn't like him.
John Returns
This thought was strong upon
her when John Patterson returned.
She had caught a glimpse of his
affable disposition when they
breakfasted together that morn
ing.
There had been a spirit of friend
illness and companionship between
the two of them. But that was
all gone now
He was stern as he had been the
night before when he found the
frightened girl stowaway in his
car.
Il have to get started" he said
the moment he came in the cabin
door.
He did not even bother to notice
that the beds were made, the cabin
swept and all the litter of break
fast making cleared away.
If he did consider it at all, then
he certainly did not think of Janet
as having been responsible for that
neatness.
81 can get ready in just a few
minutes" Janet said.
John lighted a cigaret. He stood
over at the door watching Janet
critically. Are you sure you want
to go?"
Is Very Sure
Eyes. Why not? l told you I'd
like to 20 this morning. told
you I needed to get to Indianapolis
If I could. Do you think anything
has happened in the last couple of
hours to change my mind?
Janet realized that she was def
nitely on the defensive.
do you mind telling me your
name again ?" This wasn't exactly
the way he had planned to begin
the conversation-but no matter.
The curly haired girl was rather
disconcerting.
"Of course not. My name is
Janet Reed. 1 came from New
York. I'm going to Indianapolis.
I'm looking for a job"
Whole Story
That's the whole story? You've
told me the truth? ?" He did not
relax his sternness for M instant.
'The whole truth and nothing
but the truth, so help me-" Janet
raised her right hand mockingly.
Just when do I 60 on trial."
She was thinking of Gretchen
Reed. Undoubtedly John had read
Of the runaway girl and suspected.
She wished she might tell him,
but Gretchen had been very in
sistent that Janet should not tell
a single person of her actual iden-
tity.
John brushed the levity aside.
Got this thing packed" He in
dicated her suitcase.
"Au packed. I'll take it If you
! don't mind" And Janet took II
from his hand to carry II out and
put il in the back seat of his car.
You're sure you want TO go?'
John asked when he got into the
car.
Absolutely certain"
Then I think I'll drive straight
through. IT'S not more than 500
miles. You can take a turn at the
wheel II I get tired"
Can't Drive
I'm sorry" Janet said quite
truthfully, Il certainly would II /
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