Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-07-07
BY EMILY CALVIN BLAKE

BY EMILY CALVIN BLAKE
MAN. her face pale, spoke into
~ the telephone. Send hin
right home, please, Mrs. Wilson,
The said. Mrs. Wilson was the
druggists wife. who knew small
Rogers history. Her voice had q
observation-disclosures ring, or
Nan thought so.
This then was the last straw
Now Roger, must be sent back 10
the orphanage from which he had
been taken. She and John had
wanted the child because he was
exactly the age. 6. that their own
boy would have been had he lived.
Strangely he even resembled that
little boy with his large gray eyes
md fair. curling hair.
.she turned again 70 the tele-
Nhone 10 call John and tell him
The story. That Roger, gang Of
those small hoodlumS from the
river end section of the town ap-
parently waiting outside for him,
Ras in the drug store buying
candy with the change from the
81 Nan had given him with which
10 buy aspirin.
HE'S BUSY AT BANK
But she remembered that the
early afternoon hours were busy
anes al the bank. Besides. John
would be sorry about Roger be-
cause he really enjoyed his boyish
ways and hoped he would grow
into their home life, become one
Of the family.
Well. she liked Roger, too; more
she loved him. But he was in
eradicably bad. He told lies. Now
he was stealing money. Her mind
leaped ahead 10 the time when
Johns name might be disgraced.
So she would inform the orphan
age-that the boy did not NJ in,
that since the probation period
was not yet up. the matter OF
possible adoption could be can
celled.
She turned as the front door
was flung open and small figure
ratapulted itself within, followed
by the wriggling small dog,
Biscuit. who accompanied Roger
everywhere.
Nan sternly commanded Biscuit
to 90 10 the kitchen. Then:
Roger" she began.
He was reminded that this was
not the way 10 enter his home. He
paused. then he said deeply:
"Mother-Mother-"
"Yes:" she replied, sitting
the feeling that always stirred
her when he spoke that way.
emphasizing by repetition her
meaning TO him.
"Mrs. Wilson said I was to
come straight home and ] did"
he went on.
She waited for the right words
SENT TO HIS ROOM
81 told Mrs. Wilson to send
you home, Roger. You've been
naughty again. Go upstairs to
your room and remain there till
I come up to have talk with
you."
Fear came into his eyes, and
she thought of the way he had
looked that snowy. Winter. morn,
ing when she and John had gone
TO the orphanage 10 find a son.
Trying 10 look brave and -uncon-
cerned. but already unbelieving
that there could be place where
he might belong.
When he had gone upstairs, lag
gingly. she stood a moment, then
picking up the package he had put
on the small hall table, she went
out TO Winnie In the kitchen.
Here's the aspirin you
wanted. Winnie" she said. II
hope your headache will be
helped"
Winnie turned from the table
beneath which Biscuit lay:
Its better already; thank
you" she said shortly. II heard
the boy come running in--has
he done something again:"
~Yes he has and he IL TO stay
In bed for the afternoon. I'm
going out and / don't wish you
to 60 up TO him, Winnie"
IF that's the way you feel,
Mrs. Foster"
Nan had decided 10 call on Alice
Ashton. her closest friend, an old
schoolmate. Together they had
attended their first party, shared
and been jealous of the football
hero of their senior high year.
Nan had never been jealous of
Alice's brisk, well-to-do doctor
husband, but she was keenly en-
vious of the three lovely children.
Sometimes, with their mother.
they visited Mans home and
played sedately with Roger. Well
behaved. polite youngsters.
THEY'RE ALL AT HOME
Alice herself opened the door
after Mans ring. delighted 70 see
her on such boring, hot Summer
day.
an.,t,. - 80 e,,J Inadiro Tie