The Wilmington morning star., 1940-11-10

"AASII oN11Ctl1Cdu CD
kin entered. His round little eyes
cleaned balefully as they rested
upon Bill. Peskin staggered to-
ward him, believing, "Where's
my girl, Mentor?"
Bill, jamming his hands deep in
MS pockets, was determined not
to quarrel. 81 don't know, Bullet
head. Who'd you bring?"
Don't be funny" Peskin
sneered. you know what l mean.
1 dated Dot for this shindig two
months ago."
Bill said truthfully, st didn't
know that"
Like heck you didn't" Bullet
head seemed to mistake Bills
calmness for fear. He thrust his
head forward. IF you know
what's good for you, Mentor,
you'll beat it,"
mot unless Dot wants me to-
Bill retorted.
you come outside" Bullethead
ordered. well settle this"
Careful" Bill said. Don't for
get this is a school dance. We
can't scrap here"
why not?" Bullethead damned
a meaty shoulder into Bills chest.
"Scared?"
Bill went white about the mouth.
With an effort he kept his hands
in his pockets. III take that UP
with you LATER he grated.
"Oh, no, right now" Bullethead
SAID, swinging a punch at Bill.
Bill ducked neatly, but Peskin's
kUuck1es took skin from his jaw.
Swiftly Bills fists came out of
his pockets. Mr.. Marx, one of the
chaperons, turned just in time to
witness the clean, hard uppercut
that snapped against Peskin's jaw.
Bullethead wilted to the floor, all
the fight gone out of him.
Mr.. Marx grabbed Bills arm.
''What's the meaning of this, Men
tori"
Before Bill could reply, Dot
Shelton pushed through the crowd
of young people and announced
dramatically, "They were fighting
over me, Mr.. Marx"
''Is that true, Mentor?"
Dot held the center of the stage,
her green eyes glowing. I'm just
awfully sorry, MI. Marx. They're
such jealous boys. l do try to
keep them apart"
Marx, a fussy little man, said
n~ervously, From what l could
observe, Mentor, you were the
aggressor in this quarrel. l feel
called upon to inform your father
of the circumstances. In the
meantime, I suggest that you
leave"
Hard knocks had taught Bill
Mentor not to argue with those
in authority. He turned toward the
door without a word. Outside, he
was surprised to find Dot at his
SIDE. She took his arm and pressed
close to him.
"Bill, you we're marvellous! I'm
lust so proud 1 could burst. Every
girl there was simply green with
envy"
Bills face was grim. Did you
really tell Bullethead he could
take you tonight"
Dots laugh floated lightly across
the frosty night. What if l did,
Bill? That was a long time ago.
1 like you SO much better than
Bullethead."
After a thoughtful silence Bill
said. 81 guess Bullethead had a
right to be sore. Old man Peskjn,
too. I've got myself in a sweet
jam"
Nothing of the sort, Bill. I'll
explain everything to Father
"Will your" Bill asked eagerly.
II sure don't want to get in bad
with the board just now"
Don't you worry, Bill. I've
fixed things so far, haven't 1?'
Bill said with some DOUBT,
"Well, yes. !" BY this time
they had reached Dots front
porch. Good night, Dot"
SIS that all, Bill?" she pouted.
Bill saw his duty and did it-a
reluctant peck on Dots cheek.
II don't feel so hot. I'll see you
Monday"
Buck didn't mention the party
Sunday morning. He was en-
crossed in some work and Bill
spent most of the day reading. He
didn't leave the house.
It wasn't until late Sunday that
Buck opened the subject. He sat
at a table, writing.
"You haven't said much about
the dance, Bill" he said quietly.
did you have a good time?"
Bill shifted his feet measily.
Buck, L" -.
II know all about it, Bill. Mr..
Marx called me-" Buck resumed
his writing.
I'm sorry, Buck"
Buck Mentor put down his pen.
No anger showed in his face, but
his eyes were touched with sad
ness.
Il don't know what this is all
,Lo,,+ D;11D l.. ~,;L odd 1,,ou,