Evening star., 1941-07-14

amy W 'iic verge Vi OClIlk IldulcQ U
But, first
Maj. Brennan. the post medical
morning, accusing him of hibernat- =,
ing
Phil Howard opened his ewes, then
closed them again against the glar-
ing sunlight that filled his quarters
there in the Officers Club. He tried
it again, then sat up and yawned.
Look. Doc" he complained. Il
was on night detail and I've got to
sleep sometime. I've got some
rights"
But he came from bed and out Of
his pajamas jacket. He stretched
indolently and the muscles of his
shoulders and chest tightened into
solid cords. The medical offcer
eyed him critically. little enviously,
for he was short and, at 40, in
clined to stoutness
Helen asked me to stop by on my
way to the hospital" said Brennan
She wants to see YOU"
She does. eh?" Phil Howard
showed surprise. What's up?'
Il don't know Maybe its Just
your manly charm. She wants YOU
to come to breakfast in half an
hour"
Doc. your wife should be insulted
by the way you trust her"
Should she. thoueh?"
That amused Maj. Brennan and
he showed it, He took an inordinate
pride in the success of his marriage.
He walked to the bathroom door
when Phil Howard went in and
turned on the shower.
Something in the Wind.
He said, Phil, I've been a doctor a
long time. I've seen what faith can
do-and what a lack OF faith can
undo. I'm a man hasn't faith. he
hasn't much else. His heart is
empty"
Doc, you're a philosopher
Me? No. I'm just a student of
people
Il get it" said Phil Howard, under
the shower and soaping himself. Il
tripped up somewhere. Helen and
you have decided to put me straight
All right, out with it. What do l
do?"
III let Helen do the talking" ."
Brennan said After all. I'm your
fellow officer" He nodded, and
turned away.
Phil Howard reached out and
turned off the rush of water. He
listened to Brennan's footsteps de-
scending the stairs. He frowned
/ puzzled. The Brennans we're his
friends. and Helen's invitation meant
! that she wanted to warn him about
something. She dared meddle be-
cause she was Marfield's S only woman
and she always had the posts best
/ interests at heart. But still it was
| puzZling.
! Twenty minutes later Phil Howard
| stepped out of the Officers Club into
the blazing sunlight. There WASH,
much activity about the post. The
/ garrison was out on maneuvers, ex-
cept for the sentries and a detail
doing police duty on the parade
| ground.
Phil stood lighting a cigarette and
looking about Fort Marfield had q
moth-eaten look. he thought, ever
though officers quarters and bar
racks had fresh coat Of paint. II
was small. out-of the way post
and it had been deserted from Worlc
War I days until the emergency.
An Isolated Post.
Legend-though legend could be 8
liar-had it that the Spaniards haC
first fortified the spot some 400 year!
ago. 1t was said that some of thu
original rocks reposed in the presen
walls. They'd point at cannon bal
imbedded in parapet and say {
Union ship fired it there during tn,
trouble between the States. 1t wa
even said that in '18 German sub.
marine came and fired shot or twt
with its deck gun. Only one thin,
was certain: Marfield was isolated
Before it was the sea, behind it tn,
Everglades.
Phil Howard turned and walket
along the gravel street. past the hal
dozen bungalows which were officers
quarters. Only one. the last, wa
occupied. The Brennans' quarters
Helen opened the screen door fol
him, took his cap, and her coloree
maid was setting q table there or
the porch.
Phil said Good morning, Helen
How are you-all, Cora?" And h,
caught Mrs. Brennan's quiet smil,
and Cora's flash of white teeth.
Breakfast with a woman, with /,
woman's food, was pleasant. Phi
fingered long over the breakfast
listening to Helen chatter of triv'
ialities. She was small and darl
and pretty. and at 30 her prettines
had lost youths shallow brightnes
and acquired mature warmth. Sh,
was close to being beautiful, Blu
Phil Howard found her attractiv,
, for her kindliness and tolerant un
derstanding. She was best known
for the numerous quarrels she ha,
automatically settled. and for tn
frequent occasions she had ollie
| troubled waters. Helen, in he
kindly way. was feminine dictator
Free With Help.
Phil Howard thought OF that now
and he said, Time for the lectur
. Helen. What have I done wrong?
And she replied, Your sins ar