The Northwest times. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1947-1955, 1947-04-15

XIII MIN. L swear L ulQ.
Sure you did" said Hal grin
ming, "but you needn't get hysteri-
cal about it. We believe you.' He
winked openly at the others who
we're laughing softly.
Go ahead and laugh, you fools!
Take it easy" said Jim harsh
ly, mo need to get nasty"
IF you don't like my attitude
you'd better leave" Stanley was
not joking.
Guess will"
Getting pretty late" mumbled
Hal. think I'll be going too"
me too" spoke Mac, I'D say
we all need some sleep. See you
at work. Stanley"
The three of them got out of the
booth, and headed for the door af-
ter bidding Stanley goodnight
Their parting remarks were unheed-
ed. but. as they reached the en-
trance, SANKEY'S voice screamed at
them. I'll show you. If it's proof
you want, you'll get it."
Going down to the bus stop, the
three men said very little, partly
because Stanley who always had
left the tavern with them was not
along this evening, but, moreso, be-
cause of the unbelievely stupid rea-
son which had caused them to
walk out on him for the first time
Each of them had been affected by
the unaccountable behavior of their
friend in the bar, and he couldn't
decide whether to laugh the mat
ter off or to give it more serious
consideration. At any rate, strain
of discomfort pervaded their minds.
They avoided looking at one anoth-
er and shuffled down the street in
a manner characterized by more in
stability than was owing to the lit
tie beer which they had drunk. AT
length, Hal found it necessary to
speak. Stanley cetalnly acted fun
ny, didn't hep"
yeah, he sure did" said Mac,
che sure did"
Jim stepped abruptly and turned
to the others as if to speak, but
as suddenly, changed his mind and
started walking once more.
HE always was a little differ
ent anyway" said Hal and quickly
added with tone of weak uncer-
tainty, wasn't hep"
yeah" answered Mac, "a little
maybe, but it's the first time I've
seen him blow up and over a lit
tie thing like that too"
81 know, that's what's been
bothering me too. Gosh, TO mo-
ment I almost believed what he
said about having killed a guy
ME too, but. Christ. could kick
myself for thinking that about STAN
ley. He wouldn't do think like
that. He just wouldn't"
God, no. It's surprising that he'd
even joke about it."
at is 1t is"
We've known him for a cou-
pie of months now, haven't WEI"
Yeah, just about that long,"
"Never had any trouble with him
have we?"
Nope, not once"
Hes always been kinda quiet
but there's nothing wrong with him
as far as I can see."
Not a thing. Not a thing"
81 can't understand it. 1t
Just isn't like him TO lose his tenn
per like he did tonight"
Mac didn't answer. Instead, he
suddenly burst out with uncohtrol.
liable laughter. Hal dropped his look
of deep concern and stared dumb
foundedly at Mac. whats so damn
funny?"
us" said Mac grinning broadly
and in further answer to Halls
questioning gaze repeated, Yes, us.
The way we've been talking you'd
think Stanley really killed some
body. What are we so worried about.
anyway. Maybe he just wasn't
feeling good tonight and all that
beer he drank made him kinda
mean, that's all"
Hal took a deep breath and let
it out with whistle. Then he
chuckled and said happily Guess
you're right. We've just been max
ing lot out of nothing. Eerybody's
bound to have an off night. even
Stanley. We'd better watch him and
make sure sure he doesn't swallow
too much beer next time or he
might really kill somebody"
Mac burst into laughter again
and Hal joined him.
How about a song?" said Mac. ''I
feel like singing"
Wait" 1t was Jim who spoke