The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1945-03-15
Duty First
TELYN PARKINSON
re Newspaper Syndicate.
WNU Features.

True for ye," said her ma. THE
scoundrel told Nora that Barney Ma
loney was two-timin' her with g
Frinch woman-Barney. that's true
as the stars! Also, he told her Bar
ney would be in trouble with the
cops soon-Barney. that's honest as
l am. So Nora and Barney hao
words. and she gave back his ring,
Yen make the gypsy swindler eat
his bad words. and in Nora's pres
ence?"
That l will" Mike vowed.
where's Nora"
AT the Coffee Shop, still on duty.
Whilst Barney is eatin' his heart out
"Ah. the poor lad" Mike sighed.
Don't worry. III take care of it.
Mrs. O'Day."
1t was Mikes duty. but his heart
wasn't in it. For who but himself
in love with Nora O'Day? But
he couldn't be telling her while she
that crazy about that worthless
scoundrel, Barney Maloney. He'd
to patch up the romance.
though it would break his heart. Duty
came first with Mike Calligan.
He'd just 60 owe to the Coffee
Shop and question Nora.
Nora was there, pretty as a pic
ture, serving a salesman-looking fell
low. Mike had thought Nora's eyes
would be red with crying for Bar.
ney, but they we're clear as stars.
All, she was that spunky! What's
cooking, Nike" she asked.
Il hear there's a crystal gazer out
at the carnival"
If there is, what's it to you?"
Mike pulled out his chest. For.
tune tellin's forbidden by a city or.
dinance. I'm goin' out to make a
pinch on complaint of a fine lady
whose daughter got swindled-"
Mike Cauigan, yell keep out OF
it."
The salesman turned around and
scrutinized Mike. You'll never get
that man, officer"
Yeah? Who are ye?"
Names Nietzel. I sell-er-ba'
loney." He smiled alphabetically.
And why won't l get the gypsy
Hell escape. He'll be tipped off
Anyway, making the arrest is youl
duty. but your heart isn't in it
You're lettering now. l know YOU
kind. Big and handsome and 70
mantle. Putty in a woman's hands
You'll go off with the first girl you
see. and forget what you're about
Forget me duty? Me, Mike Cal
III make the gypsy take
back his words"
OK, Mike" Nora said saucily.
I'm off now"
Mike was that proud to walk on
the street with Nora. If it wasn't
for duty. he'd ask her to step into
Louie's.
Lets just have a sandwich"
Nora said.
In the back of Louie's sat Barney
Maloney, and with him Fiji Mercier.
Nora sailed past, her nose in the
air.
In a moment Barney came over.
so it's a copper. Nora, that's been
turnin' your head. III be tellin' your
ma"
Get back to your French girl"
Nora said.
Barney" Mike said, TN meet
ye at Clancy's when I'm out of me
uniform, and teach We how to ad-
dress a LADY,"
Nora stood up. Lets go to the
carnival, Mike" she said.
They went past the hawkers. a
slowly. Here's the crystal
gazer's tent" Nora said. Ali Sees
All, Knows All Now let's see ye
make him take it back"
A blonde girl in gypsy's toys sat
at the ticket window. The young
lady will be havin' her fortune told"
Mike said.
The gypsy smiled. Il am sorree.
Ali, he ees gone"
"Ye lost him." Nora said. as they
walked away. Just as Nietzel said.
He was Ali. I knew his eyes. Mike.
And all he said was true"
What's true?"
well Barney was sparkling a
French griffin Mercier. Barney's
in trouble with a cop-yerself. And
ye ran off with the first girl that
asked ye-me! And yer heart wasn't
in making the arrest, or was it.
Mike"
Nietzel was only a meat salesman.
Mike had seen his truck in town, off
and on. for years. But with Nora
believin' and with the Tunnel OF
Love so close Mike took her
arm. "Ah. Nora. who'd arrest an
honest gintleman like the gypsy?''