The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1947-07-03
The Green Bug
Strikes

Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.
WNU Features.


knowingly and folded her arms
across her ample front. why,
Butch?" Charles repeated. why
can't you tell your new teacher
Miss Melrose, is it?-that you're to
come straight home instead Of
helping her fix a recreation room in
her basement"
well, gosh, INK" Randolph
Butch" Speers said evasively, star
ing at the floor.
Now. thought Helen Hobson. If
that green bug of jealousy didn't
take a big bite from Charles
peace of mind, then 81 years of
marriage TO him hadn't taught her
thing. Tell him, Randolph" she
pressed primly. "Tell him what you
told me"
Il just can't" the boy ex-
claimed. IL like herl She's so
pretty and nice" he paused, err
barrassed.
Helen was extremely pleased at
the signs Of distress on Charles
long, lean face. So she gave that
bug plenty Of jaw room. II the boy
wanted homework, she intended to
see that Charles ordered him to help
at home. Imagine, Charles, a
teacher using her looks to inveigle
a roomful of children to help clean
her cellarl"
"Ummm," Charles muttered. He
had enjoyed almost all of his neph-
ews affection and admiration ever
since the boy came to live with
them pending the reunion of his par
ents. one a soldier and the other a
willing hospital patient.
"Wen, gosh, INK" Butch at
tempted to explain again, "she's
just teaching US how to paint chairs
and wash woodwork and stuff. And
she sings to US while we work. and
tells US stories and"
at isn't right" Charles inter-
rupted. His wounded pride as
sumed a cloak of indignation.
AFTER this, you come straight
home, Butch. Hear me?"
20. X" the boy said in small
voice, awed by the unusual severity
of his uncle's command.
"Aunt Helen can find plenty of
work around here" Charles said
righteously. ''if that's what you
want"
That was just what Helen wanted.
well start right now, Randolph, "
she said. Get the water on for sup
per. And tomorrow after school
wen clean our basement
They didn't. though. In vain Mrs
Hobson peered out the living room
window for two hours after the clock
atop the bookcase struck three. No
nephew Finally he arrived barely
a few minutes before his uncle.
He did it again. Charles" Mrs.
Hobson greeted her husband.
I'm sorry, INK" Butch began
TREMENDOUSLY Miss Melrose said
she was sure you wouldn't mind
if l helped just once more" his
voice trailed off into miserable
silence when he saw the mounting
storm in his uncle's face.
by George!" Charles growled,
throwing his hat on the hall table.
IF you ask me-" Helen said tart
ly, "the boy should be-"
1T isn't the boys fault" Charles
snapped. Its that teacherl You
can't expect children to resist wom-
en- like her. BY George!" he said
again, snatching up his hat. Both
his wife and nephew we're startled
by the wild light in his eyes. by
George, I'll tell her thing or twoi
Butch. where does she live?"
ION - on Market street, near
Elm" Butch stammered.
ITS the old Brennancer place"
Helen said. Charles where are
you going7"
ITO call on Miss Melrose."
Charles, don't do anything you'll
regretp
Bangl The door slammed violent
ly. Butch gulped. "G-gosh"
II should say So" Mrs. Hobson
said, blinking. The green bug had
taken a bigger bite than she ex-
pected. II should most certainly
say sol"
lHG supper nOuA pdSSCus 4ud
clock struck seven. Helen looked out
the window for the Goth time. Still
no Charles. She did hope he
wouldn't make a complete fool Of
himself.
Seven-hfteen. Helen remembered
the time 20 years before when
Charles had chased the milkman
with the fire tongs for stepping in
the pansy bed Her husbands mild
gray eyes had held just such a wild
light on that occasion too. Seven
thirty. Seven forty-five. Then she
saw him coming up the walk. Mrs.
Hobson's heart swelled with relief
and alarm. He was home-but from
what? She threw open the door.
"Charlesl Goodness, I hope you
didn't well, what did happen,
anyway"
Charles kept his eyes averted as
he stepped inside. I'm sorry,
Helen. / didn't think"
Sorry? Didn't think? Charles, tell
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