Browning chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1941-1953, 1942-07-31
Copyright: 1892 By News Syndicate Co.. In,
IN TWO PARTS-PART TWO

Copyright: 1892 By News Syndicate Co.. Inc.
IN TWO PARTS-PART TWO
Five o'clock and going home time
As Kitty was getting ready to turn
over the switchboard to the night girl,
flash came in from Merle Ray. Kitty
had been persistently showing the
thought of Merle Ray into the back
ground of her consciousness. She had
been assuring herself that Merle
wouldn't mind having an outsider
crash the gates . that Merle had
more work than she could handle i. :.
that Merle shouldn't blame her &.
that Merle wasn't picayune. But now.
with Merle's call coming through,
Kitty found herself admitting that, all
day, she had been haunted by an ap-
prehension that was close to fear. Her
voice was brittle as she made answer.
Eyes, Mr.. CAROLS left" she told
Merle. "How's the laryngitis?"
Merle sounded surprisingly strong
and healthy. oh" she said, I'm all
right. thanks. Was Dick sore?"
Kitty said, HE was at first"
Merle laughed. Hell get over it,"
she said. I'm used to having people
mad at me. Well, I'm glad he's gone.
can put off my alibis until tomorrow"
She hesitated. Say, Kitty, If the coast
is clear I believe I'll drop around and
pick up my copy of the Curtain Raiser
script"
Kitty experienced moment of
panic. Merle did want the job or she'd
never have suggested stopping by! She
wanted 1t and she was out of the cast
and nobody had bothered to tell her.
Kitty coughed. 1t gave her Il minutes
leeway. 1t was a nasty situation. If
Merle Ray came to the Radio Mart to
get her script she'd encounter some
body and that somebody would be sure
to babble. And the babbling might be
decidedly blunt. Kitty spoke on i'm
pulse
I'm just leaving, Miss Ray" she
said into the mouthpiece, land I'll be
practically passing your house. I'll
bring you the script"
On the other end of the wire Merle
made sound that denoted satisfac-
ton.
alta girl, Kitty" she said you're
q lamb chop! I'll be seeing you.'
Kitty heard a decisive click as Merle
Ray, on her end of the line, broke the
connection.
With a swift, nervous movement,
Kitty got up from her place and hand
ed over the switchboard to the relief
and went to the cloakroom to make
ready for the out of-doors. But all the
time she was putting on her hat and
lipsticking her mouth, she was think
ing
81 should have told Ray that she
70 Sprint I'm
nitwit, but I can't let her study all
night for nothing. I should have told
her over the phone 1t would have been
easier than having to tell her when
we're in the same room. Not that she
can blame me. didn't try TO grab OIL
the part. 1t was forced on me. But I've
got to face the music just the same. II
I don't. she'll think I'm cheap thief.
Merle Ray was lying on satin
chaise lounge, in modernlStlc ora",
ing room, when the maid ushereo
Kitty into her presence. Kitty was
more nonplussed than impressed by
all the grandeur. She said, Hello, MISS
Ray. I'm glad you're feeling better
and sank into the chair that Merle IN
dicated. mo- she answered, after
Merle asked the obvious question, 1
didn't bring the script"
Merle Ray opened eyes winch were
as blue as Wedgwood. She querled, II
YOU didn't bring my script, why on
earth" She broke off and Kitty swal-
lowed a lump in her throat and took
the plunge.
"A lot OF things happened this morn
ing, Miss Ray" she said. DO you want
me to begin at the beginning|
Merle Ray murmured, Let's have
cocktail, as long as you're here" and
when Kitty shook her head in denial,
she laughed. ,
said. YOU can't hurt my feelings
suppose that so-and-so Carroll gave
nv part to somebody else out OF sheer
temper. Well" was it bravado OF
careless good humor in her tone?-1
should worry!"
It was as easy as that. Kitty caught
her breath in relief-but she coulont
help flinching at Merle's next remark.
"Who'd he give it TOT" Merle was
asking.
KITTY scarcely recognized her own
voice Is she said, HE gave 1t to me.
Merle Ray was laughing again. Her
beautdfully waved blonde bead was