The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1946-01-31
City Wife
By JERRY M. DARRELL
Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.
WNU Features.

PETTY HAYES watched her hus-
- band as he bent over the camp
6re. the smoke binding and stran.
Cling him as he cooked. He certain.
~ a take it, she thought, no won.
der Tins made good in tie army.
You can't make him boiler,
Enough"
Finally he Strengthened up, hold
ing a frying pan Of burned trout,
and pridefully set it down OF a rock
he had converted into a table for
their tin plates and cups. But, be-
fore he could demand praise for his
proves as an outdoor cook, the
coffee boiled heavily, then cracked
the topping Of grounds and shot up
Q fragrant geyser Of hot coffee.
"Tn pour it," Betty offered.
"Please don't" Tim motioned her
to stay where she was. Il do the
work this trip. What does a girl who
has spent her life In the city know
about camping?"
well" began Betty.
mo need to apologize, darling"
He smiled as he settled the coffee
grounds with a dash Of cold water.
"A fellow like me. raised on a
farm, just naturally knows how to
do things. It was because you're
ornamental that I fell in love with
you"
II acknowledge l wasn't a camp
ing enthusiast until l met you,"
Betty smiled fondly. "still. I'm not
helpless"
Listen, sweet, I've dreamed IT
doing this ever since I met you.
Practically the only thing that kept
me going when it was tough over
seas was dreaming Of you and me
together on a camping trip"
Betty loved him better than any
one on earth. Her feeling was some
thing more than love for her man;
1t was strongly tinctured with that
maternal quality that causes a
woman to treat her husband as II
he were a small boy. Bravely she
ate the burned Ash and half-done
biscuits. washed down by perfect
coffee. When she wanted a third cup
his eyes lighted and he asked,
"You're happy. aren't you. Betty"
"Of course, I'd be happy any
where with you"
Tim frowned. That's not what I
mean, dear. You really like this
sort Of thing. don't you? You know
l promised I'd show you a way Of
life a city girl never dreamed Of"
Eyes. dear. and I love it," Betty
smiled. then added, bet you were
a boy scout as a youngster."
mo" Tim spoke regretfully.
There were no scout troops where
I lived"
But you roughed it a LOTT"
"You bet. AL Of us. Nom and
Dad and the kids. You'll love my
folks. Glad they're joining Us. Want
them to e you in the open. know
that I've met the type of girl they'll
love"
Betty blew Tim a kiss. He was
sweet. She was fortunate to have
married him. though she had
known him only a few weeks. She
would never forget their brief but
marvellous three-day honeymoon.
She knew she would like his people.
for their letters had been so friend
ly. She was dubious about their join
ing them here. Still. if Tim was sure
they would not mind burned fish,
ants in the margarine and raw bis
cults. she needn't worry.
The day before his family was to
arrive Tim stepped off a log and
sprained his ankle. Tenderly Betty
helped him into camp and bound It
up. Amazed at her skill he said.
"You must have taken a Red Cross
course while I was gone"
Everybody knows first aid." she
smiled. feel b~etter?"
Much. but I'll be helpless for
several days. Well have to stay
here because I can't walk to where
the car is parked. What really wor-
ries me is how you'll manage %
have everything ready for dinner
tomorrow when the folks hike in
hungry and tired"
I'm good at taking ORDERS" she
answered lightly. I'm the morning
we'll make you comfortable on the
lake shore and you can fish while
l get things in order"
Next day Tim made miles of
anxious suggestions. Betty accepted
them smilingly. then ignored them
Toward evening she helped him into
the cool water for a swim. which re-
lieved the pain in his ankle.
Just as he finished dressing.
halloos came from the ridge above.
Soon Betty was presented to a
crowd of pleasant men and women
whose eyes cleaned merrily in
sympathy as they greeted her.
Everyone ready to eat?" she
asked.
"And howl" grinned Tins BROTH
err. what is there?"
"Now don't be critical of Betty"
broke in Tim. IT l hadn't hurt my
ankle I'd have prepared supper"
Bill" interrupted Betty. 1.-The