The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1942-02-19
Traffic Laws
BY R. H. WILKINSON
g Associated Newspapers.
WNU Service.

" 10, THAT'S the last time you'll
- take the car out alone! I'm
tired of getting you out of jams.
Sergeant Ryan is tired of it, too.
He told me today that he'd let you
off for the last time"
REALLY, Art, you're getting all
excited over the silly business. The
car is mine as much as it is yours.
Moreover, l intend to drive it. I've
got to learn some time"
Nov look here, 10, I've listened
to that story for the last time. It's
always the same. In my opinion,
women shouldn't be allowed to drive
cars anyhow. They don't attach
enough Importance to it."
Art Phillips went out and
slammed the door. 10, his wife,
watched him drive away. Of late
Art had been considerable enough to
leave the car at home for her use,
and ride to work on the bus. But
now it looked as if all that was
over. Art was really angry.
10 didn't mind so very much. But
the fact that that afternoon she was
scheduled to be at bridge party
in the neighboring town of Benton,
and had been depending upon the
car to transport her there, was an
noying.
10 glanced at her watch. The
last bus to Benton for over an hour
had left ten minutes ago. She
became little panicky at thoughts
of being deprived of the afternoon
of bridge.
Then, abruptly, came a thought
Quick action followed. She dashed
upstairs, dressed quickly, and ten
minutes later was on bus riding
down town. AS she had expected,
the car was parked at the curb in
front of Arts office.
Feeling somewhat like a small
boy stealing apples, she climbed
into the car and was away. Once
beyond the city limits she didn't
care boot whether Art discovered
the theft or not. 1t would do him
good.
10 arrived back in town just be-
fore five. She parked the car in
the exact spot where it had stood
three hours previous, caught an out
going bus, and was home by SIS.
She had hardly Invested herself of
coat and hat when the phone rang.
1t was Art.
Hello, honey" he began sweetly.
Sorry I can't be home to dinner
Something happened to the car this
afternoon. l brought it to a garage
and left it there. They just called
and said it wouldn't be ready until
seven. Guess III wait"
JOS heart leaped. For a mo-
ment she was silent. Then: "What
what time did you say you
brought the car to the garage?"
"This noon. Right after left
you"
"Oh." 10 hung up without reply
ing. She felt weak and wanted to
sit down. So this was why Art had
been making excuses to stay out
late. Probably carrying on an af-
fair with another woman. And she,
10, had believed in him implicitly.
She suddenly flung herself on a
divan and wept.
A half hour later 10 dried her eyes
and went upstairs. Her mind was
made up. She'd pack and leave on
the $50 train. She could never be
happy with Art again. She could
never trust him, never feel that he
was loyal and fine as she had al
ways thought.
Hastily she packed, scrubbed a
note, briefly explaining that she
knew of his deceit, and went down
stairs, paused at the foot and stared
Wide-eyed
Art, grinning broadly, was stand
ing in the center of the living room
floor.
Going some place." he asked.
"Say, Pm glad l got home in time
to see you off. They brought the
car around earlier than I expected
art! Please! I don't care TO
listen to more of your lies!" She
tried to get past him, but Art
stepped in her way.
Don't be foolish, 10. You'll re-
greet it. Wait till you hear my
story"
10 paused. After all, it was only
fair to let him explain. She did
love him and she'd ney,er fool riob+
unless she had given him chance.
"All right. But hurry"
"Then, you do care? You're not
really going to run out and leave
me fiat? l didn't think you would,
honey"
Il said I'd listen"
90" Art suddenly swept her
into his arms. 80, I don't blame
you for getting sore. I shouldn't
have taken the car, knowing you
wanted it this afternoon. But" he
paused to grin, "the fact is l saw
you drive off from in front of the
Office. wanted to teach you a les
son. That's why Matched up that
story about the garage. You see, I
went up there this afternoon to
make arrangements to have them
give you driving lessons. That's
what gave me the idea. I was at
the garage when l called. And
that's why l was so late in getting
home"
10, both arms about Arts Shout
darc reached inside l1er baa 90,