Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1941-01-10

never make it."
Tom turned off on a back road.
"Our only chance is to get rid of the
trailer. 1t attracts too much atten-
ton. Help me unlock the thing,
jamie"
The two boys worked fast. Sonny
huddled in the car alone, strained
her ear to hear the sound Of a pur-
suing motor.
"Now we're on our way" Tom said.
"Give us the breaks for another hour,
and nothing can stop u.s." He looked
down at Sonny's white face. "What
was your mothers maiden name 2"
he asked suddenly.
She answered mechanically: Law
renee"
jamie was disgusted: 81 think
you've blown your top! What's her
mothers name got to do with the
fix we're in?"
But Tom only laughed. He park
ed his car on Bowling Green's main
street in five minutes. "Now you
two wait inside this restaurant. I'll
be as quick as I can" Then he was
gone.
jamie and Sonny sat in the little
restaurant and waited, for-what
seemed to them-hours. Jamie man.
aged to eat some ham and eggs, but
Sonny was so scared her teeth clench
ed every time she tried to swallow
the scalding coffee. She watched the
door, expecting any moment to see
state troopers come in to take her a.
way.
Finally Tom came, jubilant: when
you try to cross Hollister, then
you're looking for trouble" he boast
ed. "Come on, we're going places"
A puzzled jamie and Sonny fol-
lowed Tom to the car. They drove
down the street, turned right. "This
is the place. he said, as he pulled
up before big white house.
"Now WHAT" demanded Jamie.
care we going to leave Sonny here?"
"Wait and see!" Tom laughed at
his own little private joke. "But
hurry up, we haven't any time to
spare"
Jamie got out. Tom gave his hand
to Sonny and waited until she was
standing beside him. Then he declar-
ed, "We're going to get married"
The other youth and the girl stared
at Tom as though he had lost his
mind. you're just Kidding" Jamie
said, his voice full of fear.
give got the license" He tapped
his pocket. cts set. Five minutes
and we can snap our fingers at the
law. Well be over the Indiana state
line. The cops there won't be look
ing for US and we'll be on our way
Sonny's voice was thin with fright
II couldn't let you do that!"
"Don't be ridiculous! The family
will have to look after you then. You
can get divorce. It's as simple as
anything" He grinned. "Then
won't have to go back to Princeton
next year. We're summering at the
beach, remember. Tell the old guy
that. And Jamie, you live in Findley
81 won't do it'll" jamie cried.
Tom stalked up the walk with
Jamie on one side protesting, Son.
ny on the other.
Even when he'd pushed the door
bell, Jamie was arguing: "Your moth
er will kill me! You wouldn't dare
do this!"
Tom grinned recklessly: "Listen
I'm 81 today. Don't know of bet
ter way to celebrate my birthday"
Afterward, Sonny could never re-
member much about the next ten
minutes, or just what the old JUS
tice of the peace said to her. She
remembered that he questioned them
closely but Tom made all the answers.
AS the old man bent over a Bible,
she noticed how his glasses slipped
down on his nose, and how Jamie
breathed loudly in kind of silent
protest to the whole affair.
Then it was over. Tom kissed her
when the justice said he should.
Toms fraternity ring was on her fin
ger. The justice and his wife wish
ed them happiness and stood on the
steps waving goodbye as they drove
off.
81 know you'll be sorry, Tom," said
the bride of five minutes.
"Nonsense!' said Tom. "What's
there to be sorry about when we DOM
have to stay married? This is just
to stave off the police"
, Jamie was moaning gently, "why