Browning chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1941-1953, 1942-08-28
CAMP DOLL 2 r'.': '' Janis

show would start at $50. There was
stage with some scattered scenery
and piano.
Come on, folks, make it snappy.
They say the men start to crowd in
very early" Blevins was already as
Stunning army tones. Nov, about
dressing rooms"
Hermana the Great walked forward,
followed by Herbert bearing an arm
load Of magic props. Before she could
hoist the proverbial chip from one
shoulder to the other, Peggy Ann
spoke up. "Hermana must have the
biggest one. I only need corner and
mirror"
Johnny moved in close to Peggy
Ann. Il don't need anything-except
maybe a little rehearsal"
Peggy stepped away. Well be all
right Don't worry. I have to rush
through my numbers" She didn't look
at Johnny Il think, Bud, If you'd clear
everybody out of here but the folks
| who're giving the show, it'd be bet
ter" She patted Buds arm and walked
to the piano.
Bud followed her orders. When he
had left, Johnny strolled over and
tried to talk to Peggy Ann. She was
lost in her preparation for conquest.
Johnny decided TO start his. He
searched through the hall for a glass.
/! Plenty of drinking gadgets but evil
IDENTIFY glasses we're just another thing
the army didn't have. He never drank
from bottle except under stress. This
was definitely stress. Refortified, he
was ready for all corners.
| The first conner was Peggy Ann, en-
route to her dressing room. They're
beginning to come in. Listen to that!
Peggy moved closer to listen with him.
Another snifter?
Her clear gray eyes held his. What
are you trying to do? Make these boys
| jealous of you or ashamed for you?'
| Johnny pulled back. What are you
"a professional Good Influence? I'm
! not trying to do anything but make
em laugh. I've done pretty well with
my life so far"
Il know that" said Peggy Ann
quickly. But down here with all these
men who probably like it and can't
have it, why watt it at them?' She
tried to smile.
Maybe I ought to gargle with some
| carbolic acid?'
you will eventually, if you keep on
like you're doing. Listen, haven't any
reformer complex. MY father was a
drunk. It took him 10 years of my
| life to drink my mother into her grave
and three more to finish himself
off, So this is a real I Was There act.
Please forgive me and" she hesitat-
ed, Honestly, I don't usually care II
men drink
Johnny, looking down at her, Won
dered what strange quality she had
that kept him from grabbing her and
kissing her without thoughts of any
body's brother. Instead he took her
hand. You're right about all this.
Look" he pulled out a package OF
cloves. I'm on these for the rest OF
the night. HoneSt!'
SWELL Peggy Ann said, and ran
down the hall.
The show was a riot. To everyone IN
! the troupe except poor 'sheltef
shocked" Herbert, the barrage OF ap-
proval launched by thousands OF
Uncle Sans noisiest nephews meant
one long wow Herbert, who had been
sent from his own bomb-shattefed
home in London to travel with Aunt
Hermana "for the duration" trembled
as he handed that lady her SILK hat
from which she took everything put
a French rs. Just before Peggy Ann
entrance, she stood in the wings
trembling too, with anticipation.
| "All set, Home Town Gal? I'm CIV
! ing you a special introduction. buo
came to the wings and led her INTO
her welcome.
When Peggy Ann faced that smiling
sea of tan, past dreams of other kind
of audience we're swept away by Ihe
whistling, footstamping and cheers
which grew louder and louder. For 10
minutes Uncle Sam stepped aside ana
that particular section OF his army pc
| loneed to Peggy Ann. She sang, she
/ danced. she saved the harmonlca 1or
n finish-and the cartwheel Tor hef
exit. AS she took bow after bow, tears
misted her eyes. Through them she
saw Johnny waiting to go on. Inc
cheers continued
IN announce you, Johnny" she
said.
Try and do it, he grinned.
Peggy walked to the front OF the
stage and held up that ever reliable
slim hand. Pipe down, men!" Iney
mined. 81 don't need to tell you how
happy YOU make me, but that's all
for now. I'll be back later to say gooo
night. Now 1 want to introduce my
friend-and swell fella-Johnhy
Hopper!" .,,
Because of her introduction they
listened-but because Johnny was
great comedian, he brought down what
was left of the recreation hall. Peggy
stood watching him proudly. 1t was
time for the girl stooge act.
Johnny suddenly realized that he
didn't want Peggy Ann to stand out
here and be kissed in front OF the
crowd. These men thought too much
of her-and so did he. Yet if he didn't
call her on, she'd think it was funny.
He went on with the story he was tell
ing. He'd think of something. He start
ed the one about girl he had met
lust outside of camp"-that was
Peggy AIMS entrance cue. Johnny
still hadn't decided what to do. He
needn't have worried. The army is
used to quick decisions. When Peggy
Ann walked on, it decided that john