Glacier County chief., 1940-10-11
JACK IN THE, POT r,D..s,,~ -.
,opyr.sht 1910: BY News Syndicate Co.. In
IN TWO PARTS-PART TWO


s,oyingly. with Mr.. Edmunds' help, /
Hrs, Edmunds moved the furniture
md gave the flat thorough cleaning
she liked for the investigator to find
her busy. She felt less embarrassed
about being on relief when it could
he seen that she occupied her time.
The afternoon waned. The Edmunds
nothing to do. They were hungry but
dared not start dinner. With activity
TIspended, they became aware of the
nanetrating cold and the rafting win
dows. Mr.. Edmunds began to have
that wild look of waiting for the in
restigator.
Mrs. Edmunds suddenly had an idea.
She would go and get a newspaper
and 4 package of cigarets for him.
At the corner she ran into Mr.
Johnson. Rather he ran into her, for
he turned the corner with his head
down. and his gait as unsteady as il
he had been drinking.
That you, Mr.. Johnson?' she saiG
sharply.
that he was not drunk.
YES. ma'am, Mis- Edmunds."
The baby-Is she worse?"
Tears SeIled out of his eyes The
Lord done took her"
Tears stood in her own eyes. God
knows I'm sorry to hear that. Let me
know if there's anything I can do
Thank you, Mis-, Edmunds, ma'am
But amt nothin' nobody can do.
been pricin' funerals. can get one
for $50 But I been to my brother,
Couldn't raise no more than So" He
vas suddenly embarrassed. Il know
all you tenants is on relief. I wasn't
fiyin' to ask you all"
Fifty dollars" she said STRANGELY,
is lot of money"
"GOd'd have to pass a miracle for
ne TO raise it. Guess the cityll have
10 bury her. You reckon they'll let
me take flowers?"
You being the father, guess they
would" she said weakly.
When she returned home the flat
vas little warmer. She entered the
living room. Her husbands face bright
ened.
You bought paper!"
She held out the cigarets. You
smoke this kind2" she asked lifeleSsly.
He jumped up and crossed TO her.
Z declare don't know how to thank
you Wish that investigatord come.
sure want to taste them"
Go ahead and smoke" she cried ,
tierccly. It's none of her business. We
got our rights same as working people
She turned into the bedroom. She !
was utterly spent. Too much had hap =
pened in the last "a hours.
Guess I'll stretch out for bit. IN
not going TO sleep. If I do drop off, ,
listen out for the investigator. The
bell needs fixing. She might have to
knock
At half-past five Mr.. Edmunds put
DOWN the newspaper and tlptoed 10
the BEDROOM door. His wife was still
decision, then decided it was long past
the hour when the investigator usually
called. and went down to the hall to
the kitchen. He wanted TO prepare sup /
per as a surprise. He opened the win
dow, took the foodstuffs out OF the
crate that in winter served as lceboX,
and set them on the table.
The doorbell tinkled family.
He went to the door and opened it.
The investigator stepped inside. She
was small and young and white.
Good evening, miss" he said.
I'm sorry to call so late" she apollo
gzed I've been busy all day with an
eyic;ed family. But knew you were
expecting me. and didn't want you
10 stay in tomorrow"
You come on up front, miss" he
SAID, III wake up my wife. She WASH I
feeling SO well and went to lie down.
She saw the light from the kitchen,
and the dark rooms beyond.
Don't wake Mrs. Edmunds," she
said kindly, IF she isn't well. Ill Just
sit in the kitchen for a minute with
you
He looked down at her, but her open,
honest face cid not disarm him. He
braced himself for whatever was to
follow.
Go right on in, Miss" he said
He took the dish towel and busted
NE clean chair. sit down. miss"
He stood facing her with a furrow
between his browS, and his arms fold
cast about for something to say, and
saw the table.
Y interrupted your dinner prcpara-
tons"
., His voice and his face hardened for
the blow
,. 7 was getting dinner for my wife.
1T looks like a nice one" she said
He was baffled. I'VE amt had
chicken once in three years."
Il understand" she said sincerely.
Sometimes spend my whole salary
On something 1 want very much"
you amt much ike an nVeSC-
gator" he said in surprise. One we
had before you woulda raised Ned"
he sat down suddenly. his defenses
DOWN. Miss, been wanting to ask
you this for a long time. You ever
nave any mems clothes?"
Her voice was distressed. Every
once in awhile. But with so many
People needing assistance, we can only
give them to our employables. But III
Keep your request in mind"
He did not answer. He just sat
Staring at the floor. presenting an
adjustment problem. There was moth
ing else to say to him.
:, She rose. "I1l be going now. Mr..
Edmunds."
IN tell my wife you was here, miss"
-. A voice called from the bedroom.
Is that you talking?"
49,, It's the, investigator lady," he said.
She's just going"