Evening star., 1941-10-26

sigh and relaxed into the seat of the
station wagon. You'd think they'd
get tired of heckling me, but they
never seem to. used to think they'd
get tired of it. But now l guess I've
just about lost all hope. If they only
wouldn't tear my shirts!'
Jed sat back behind the wheel for
moment before starting the car.
He lit cigarette. 1--WE been think
ing about what your nom told you,
guy. You didn't understand her. She
meant you mustn't start fights. Your
mother, if she we're alive, wouldn't
want the other kids to beat you up
every day! She was too smart for
that, wasn't she? All she wanted was
your good. She wouldn't ask you to
do something unreasonable
But she wanted me to promise,
and did. Now she's dead. l can't ask
her exactly what she meant. just
have to keep my promise and not
fight"
Jed tried again to explain. II know
she'd want you to protect yourself.
That's mothers first instinct. to
protect her kid"
But she said =" The boys voice
died away. He seemed to be turning
over the new Interpretation in his
mind. well, gee. l couldn't, even if
thought it was all right. Even if l
thought that was what she did mean.
If ever showed any scrap, it would
be all the worse. Then they'd really
jump me- I can't fight. l don't know
how"
Jed trod on the starter. II was COM
ing to that" He took a right turn at
the next corner. driving purposefully
in the direction of the business dis
trict. II did four years of inter-class
boxing back in college. Well pick up
couple of pairs of gloves and have
workout. Well do it every afternoon.
It'll be a secret for a while. but guess
you'd better tell your sister"
"Gee!' The kids eyes were dreamy.
do you think l could ever beat up
on Butch? Cats, that would be swell!
That night. while Jed was washing
up the supper dishes. the doorbell
rang. The dish towel still in his hand,
he answered it. In the shadows of the
porch stood girl with pretty. wide
set eyes. Behind her he could see the
parking lights of a blue sedan.
''Mr. HEWITT" she said. I'm
Mary Clark. I'm Howie's sister,
Howie says you've offered to help
him. He's 50 excited about it! He's
like different boyr'
Il told him he'd have to ask you.
Is it okay?"
The girls voice was husky with
emotion. "Oh, it's so much more than
okay! can't tell you what it would
mean to me! don't know how you
persuaded him. knew he had some
strange feeling that he mustn't fight,
and didn't think he was a coward.
I've never understood until he told
me. tonight
Wont you come in?" said Jed.
mo. There's friend waiting. had
to stop for a moment and thank you
If Howie can only learn to take care
of himself! It's so important! But
can you spare the time?"
"Oh, sure. That's one good thing
about the Exchange. We have to be
there at break of dawn, but we're out
by one O'Clock"
Good luck, thenr'
They shook hands. hers small and
emotional. clutching his tightly. Then
she was gone, driving away with the
man she was engaged to, leaving Jed
to feel little more alone than usual.
But he thought quickly about to-
morrow. because it was going to be
fun having the kid around
He overcame Howie's compunction
at being met by the station wagon.
LET them think you're chicken"
Jed advised. I'm coupla weeks they'll
EoI c,,<