Evening star., 1941-03-23

the Raj. He wrote to him every day and
gave him special prayer at night and wore
the R.A.F. wings every time he so much as
stepped out of the house. Poor Peg was kept
busy ripping that insignia off one suit or shirt
and sewing it onto another.
why don't you tell them about your
father" | suggested. Its not every boy
who has Dad with the R.A.F. Not one in the
whole school, I'll bet"
Evelyn shrugged. I've told them. But
they all know someone who flies, so the
RAF. business doesn't impress them
felt as helpless as he did Then you'll
simply have to go on facing it, Evelyn
1T won't be for long" he said. We'll
have Jerry in the bag any minute now, and
III be permitted to 60 home. Not, he added
with sudden concern that I'm not very
happy with you and Aunt Peg. You're won
derful people. Truly"
hugged him for that one. But the dis
appointment was still there. | suppose we
Americans make almost too much of fetish
of taking it, but just the same ! wished
could see young Evelyn be as contemptuous
and above the Raging he was getting as he
had been over the Dover Boys Afloat when
| told him he might enjoy reading it,
Every day brought Evelyn little more
trouble, and another bruise and another
grudge against his schoolmates. was torn
between pity and impatience. Peg, of course,
was all pity. She was even thinking of going
over to the school and having it out with
someone or other. till talked her out of it.
Hes simply got to find his own way out,
| said He may be over here for years and
he's got to adapt himself
And then. suddenly, he did find his way out
IT WAS midafternoon, but Peg called me
home from the Office. She had been so frantic
that had left a conference flat, without hesi-
tating moment. paced the living room,
watching the clock. peering from the window,
hating that feeling of being able to do nothing
to help the situation. While Peg, picture of
utter helplessness and her eyes clouded,
simply sat rigid in chair with her hands limp
in her lap.
I'D better do the talking" said finally.
No" Peg took long breath and shook
her head. It's my job. don't know just
what Ill say, but think it will be better.
somehow, coming from me"
She was right, of course, and l left it up
to her. But stayed home, anyway thought
it might help for me to be around.
felt worse about the whole thing because
when Evelyn came home from school he was
half running, and grinning as he'd never
grnned before. Once in the door his good news
spilled over. Il fixed them." he said. They
won't dig at me any more"
He tossed his books onto table and came
over to where Peg and / were waiting. You
know what told them?" he said. II told
them my father, Captain Evelyn Fellows,
had just been in dog fight - vicious one
right over the Channel with four planes after
him. That really made them sit up and take
notice. Course he added trife sheepshly,
1t WASH t exactly right to lie. But it will make
things easier" He put an arm about Pegs
neck. Wasn't it all right. Aunt Peg? didn't
mean any harm. | just wanted to impress
them and shut them up for good and all
"Oh. my dear!' Peg started to take him
into her arms, but she could only press his
hands to her lips and hide her face against
the back of the chair.
leaned forward Look, old fellow -
He came to stand before me, looking puz-
zledly at Peg from the corner of his eye.
put an arm about his waist and pulled him