Indianapolis Times, Volume 48, Number 57, Indianapolis, Marion County, 16 May 1936 — Page 15

311 AY 16, 1036

Today's Short Story PROVIDED By Maribelle Masters

flor the remainder of his vacation . anyway, and wrote Molly to that esHe saw Marion Binney constantly ; and people, scenting romance, kind;ly invited them out together. One I night after dinner at his own house, i Mr. Evans took Dave to his study | and bestowing an excellent cigar

AS David Coxe, an alert, wellbuilt young chap of 25, walked up the Immaculate path that led to the Binney’s imposing house on the best street in Gailburg, he noticed that not a piece of gravel on the walk nor a blade of grass on the perfect lawn seemed out of place. You didn't need to be a graduate of Scotland Yard to know what kind of people lived in here—efficiency was their middle name. Dave turned to his companion, Mr. Evans, the town’s smartest lawyer, and with his hand on the front door bell remarked: “I wish you hadn’t dragged me out here for supper. I feel like a darn fool.” Mr. Evans chuckled. ‘‘You needn’t,” he replied. “Marion Binney doesn’t know anything about your Uncle Joe’s will.” tt tt SIX years before David Coxe had left Gailbury for New York. There he'd found a job with a wholesale drug firm and, working hard, was now drawing down enough on which to live, save a little and become engaged to Molly Blake. Falling in love with Molly had been the most wonderful adventure of Dave's life. They planned to be married in the fall, lor if only they could be together poverty had no terrors for Molly. However, she was confident they wouldn’t be poor for long and it made Dave feel fine to hear her say: “You’re so clever, darling, you're going to get ahead in no time!” Then, in the very midst of all theii plans and on the eve of Dave’s summer vacation came Mr. Evans’ letter from Gaiiburg announcing Uncle Joe Coxe's death. But it wasn't until after the funeral that Mr. Evans summoned Dave to his office and there read him only as much of Uncle Joe’s will as the law compelled. Boiled down, this outrageous document stated that David Coxe was to inherit the sum of SSOOO, his Uncle Joe drug-store in Gailburg and his Uncle Joe’s house provided within six months’ time said nephew married Marion Binney. tt tt tt EVERY time Dave thought of that word provided he saw red. Outside of a no-star moving picture plot, Uncle Joe’s will was the most unfair, preposterous one ever drawn. But Dave raged in vain. Uncle Joe had been of sound mind, and if Dave didn't like the will it was just too bad. Dave thought how much he liked it right now, as walking into the Binney's living room he said good evening to the girl Uncle Joe had decided he was to marry. The Binneys hadn't changed much in six years. Marion, with her quiet air rof self-possession, erect carriage and snapping black eyes was. perhaps, even better looking than in the old days. Mr. Binney, tall and stooping, listened meekly as usual to his handsome wife, who was Marion all over again only 25 years her senior. After a delicious supper, Mrs. Binney maneuvered so that Dave and Marion were left alone on the side piazza, in the moonlight, it was a beautiful night, peaceful, quiet, the *kind of stillness that Dave and Molly longed for in New York and never found but, wasted here, and as Dave regarded Marion sitting bolt upright in the swing, he realized that lie would never have any desire to take this girl in his arms and shield her from life's hard knocks. tt tt r by the way,” said Marion V 7 with elaborate carelessness after a little pause, “the whole town's talking because your Uncle Joe's will doesn’t have to be probated for six months. Do you know what’s going to become of his money?’* “No,” replied Dave honestly, “I really don’t.” “He didn't take it with him,” observed Marion, “or his house or his drug store, either!” And as she spoke she flashed a speculative g l ' nee at Dave from her black eyes that made him feel vaguely uneasy. Marion Binney was the kind of person who got what she wanted, and if by chance she wanted him— Dave ran his fingers around inside his collar. When Dave returned to his Uncle Joe's house that night he found that Ellen, Uncle Joe's housekeeper for 20 years, had not only turned down his bed for him but also laid out pajamas . placed a pitcher of ice water within easy reach on a small table. Dave laughed as he thought of his third-story room back in New York. a tt tt BREAKFAST next morning as served by Ellen was leisurely and delicious, not at all like the ones he gobbled any old way at a corner drug store. Moreover, while waiting on him, Ellen's manner was deferentially polite as though he were already the head of the house and her future employer. Not only! did Dave find Ellen’s attitude extrrmety gratifying, but also that of his old friends who, assuming him' to be his uncle’s heir, expressed their pleasure at his return. *ln New York the name of Coxe was merely \ something to call you by; in Gail- i burg it meant a great deal. There had been a Coxe In the town ever i since It was founded 200 years be-! fore. Yes, thought Dave to himself, j it would be a pity if were to be j no more Coxes in the place. In a j way, it might almost be ids duty to j come back. He decided he would stay 1

tor the remainder of his vacation anyway, and wrote Molly to that effect. He saw Marion Binney constantly and people, scenting romance, kindly invited them out together. One night after dinner at his own house, Mr. Evans took Dave to his study and bestowing an excellent cigar upon him, remarked: an n “Tj'ROM what you tell me of Molly X 1 Blake, I realize she Is a sweet little thing, but, my boy, is she capable and efficient like Marion Binney?” ‘ She’s the swellest person in the whole world.” defended Dave hotly. “I don’t doubt that. But Marion now, besides bein'? just as good a housekeeper as her mother would be a great help to a man in business. his own business, I should say. Os course, being married to Molly this wouldn’t matter so much because you would still be punching a time clock. Provided, however, you use youi hf-.d and marry Marion Binney . . “I’m in love with Molly,” replied Dave firmly but not quite as firmly as he had spoken the first time Mr. Evans discussed the matter with him. “Doesn’t that count more than owning my own business?” “Hcli’s bells,” said Dave to himself that night later on, as, snuggled comfortably in Uncle Joe's big mahogany bed, he pondered Mr. Evans’ disturbing remarks. “Provided is the rottenest word in the entire English language!” It finally came to the last day of Dave's vacation and he must either go back to his job in New York or lose it. What’s more, he had to make a decision tonight—now. When the realization of this fact struct him he was, as usual, at the Binneys. tt tt tt LET’S go to the movies,” suggested Mr. Binney after dinner, “Mae West is there tonight.. I like Mae.” “No!” answered Mrs. Binney smiling, but with a peremptory ring in her voice, “I wish to go for a drive.” “But, I don’t,” protested Mr. Binney. His wife's mouth tightened perceptibly as flashing a look at him she said: “Please don’t discuss it any further, Frederick. We are going for a drive.” Mr. Binney said no more. Obviously the years had taught him the futility of argument. “Before I’d let any woman treat me that way!” exclaimed Dave to himself. A moment later somewhat thoughtfully he walked into the big, cool livingroom where Marion was sitting on a chintz covered sofa. Marion looked up with a smile and indicated a seat beside her. For the fraction of a second Dave hesitated. He didn’t want to sit there because i Marion had told him to. Marion ! patted the cushion again. He really couldn’t refuse now without being rude. it tt tt THE sofa cushions were soft and deep—too soft, too deep. Dave had just risen from one of the best dinners he had ever eaten in his ! life, and a delightful sense of physical well being lulled him gently and he gradally forgot that Marion had told him where to sit. “Dave!” she exclaimed in a tone exactly like her mother’s, “that necktie you have on is simply terrible. You must never wear brown.” As it so happened, Dave was very i fond of brown and also of this neck- ! tie. But, if Marion were his wife ; light now would that make any difi ference? And what about his socks i and his shirts and his pajamas? Would she pick on those, too? Before Dave’s eyes flashed a picture of the meek figure of Mr. Binney as he walked obediently in the direction of the garage. Abruptly, Dave rose to his feet, made some laughing rejoiner concerning the necktie and politely took his leave. Maybe he and Molly would be poor as mice, but at least he’s be allowed to choose the color of his clothes. As for his own business —hell’s bells! Married to Marion Binney and Uncle Joe’s drug store would be run by her. Twenty minutes later saw him in Mr. Evans’ study. a a tt I’M sorry to disappoint you, sir,” said Dave, looking the old boy straight in the eye, "but nobody is going to tell me who to marry!” “I hope your Uncle Joe heard that remark,” replied Mr. Evans. “Why?” “Because, provided you were man enough to make it, his will goes on to say that you are then to inherit all his money, instead of a measly SSOOO. and three more drug stores over in Plainville, which you uncle owned secretly. Dave, you’ll be rich.” Tottering to a chair, Dave sank down. After a minute he asked weakly: . “What’s the meaning of all this Arabian Night’s stuff?” “It s very simple. Uncle Joe had no idea what kind of man you had turned into. He didn’t want his chain of drug stores run by a Mr. Binney, for instance, but your name is Coxe, so he left you a home, a means of livelihood and some cash, no matter what you were. Now, had you been a weak sister, you would have needed the strong, dominating type of wife, somebody capable of running not only you, but your drug stores as well.” Dave fingered his brown necktie and shuddered. "So I picked out Marion Binney!” YOU picked her out? How did you happen to know so much about Marion Binney?” Mr. Evans hitched his chair a little closer. Then leaning forward he looked over his spectacles and in a confidential tone said softly: "Thirty years ago, I almost married Tier mother. They’re alike as two fjeas!” THE END. '.Copyright. I*M, by Chicago TTtbune-N. Y. ... Syndicate. Inc.,.

OUR BOARDING HOUSE

Ftwdt THE IfIir SEEDS OR Wb y THE COLOR J|| L mc / GORGEOUS N BT2AIKJ id OP THE BLOOM "S A §in i -4 PPCKISS OKI l W SQUALL S—j|oKJ H6SHAVWS J! { ,AUfiU fyTHESE METTLES,! MATTER /( ACREAGE, MIS ff kwrv-nsi I=L AKJD THE WHAT HE >, GA-RPENJ ) z / E J3 TEMFTIWG mBE VS "DOWKJ, ) > VEWTU’JE / A// MILKWEED/ HE'LL ‘REA'P aNI \S IW THE ) Jh| MAGIOAt J tY BJMPER CROP sJJj gy T. m. reg u. 5. PAT, orr. J

FRECKLES AND HIS FRIENDS—

HlsH ( mmmmamr V O THIS BOY Your \ J MR7WIDGE I EXACTLY...- | THE COIN HE LEFT WAS THAT SEEMS SUFFICIEKT PAYMENT FOP ; HONOR, \ Jam \ VALUES THE \ AND COOK DATED 1878, AND IF YOU \TO COVER THE COST OF OOK,nWAS MAY I j UAV 4 R r AD . | MEDICINE J LEFT ONLY WILL LOOK IN THIS COIN I THE MEDICINE, MR.TWIDGE, > COVER "THE ) SAY A 1 THAT WAS / FIFTY COLLECTORS BOOK, YOU ( AND TO ASSURE YOU A OF THE J ]/ REMCVED \ CENTSf / WILL SEE PROOF THAT NEAT PROFIT.’ r WORDS? ICAS1 CASE ‘ FROM HIS THE COIN IS WOFTTH J CAOt.

WASHINGTON TUBBS II

f f THIS ISAS FAR AS I CAN ) (7 NOW TO SNEAK IN BEHIND TuA V GET, IN TH' CAR Y &ANDITS AN* MAKE 'EM . I

ALLEY OOP

CLIFFSIDE fH ey, guz - 1 got great ) _ VICTIMS dpcOVEC wews , FOE yuh / oop / WASN'T KILLED - Jpuyj'l given up for dead, SUFFER HE'S ALL bight-( WELL, NOW t ONLY MINOR INJURIES. AN' DIN NY NT THAT J

BOOTS AND HER BUDDIES

1 t*y

TARZAN AND THE LEOPARD MEN

- united rtATVRf 'sVyDiCATyTiac * " ■ *" ,M " - ■

Tarzan paid no heed to Orando’s panicky warning against the Taloned Death. Instead he continued to trail the dim leopard scent which clung to the ground. Behind him, in fascinated horror, crept the people of the village of Tumbai. And In the vanguard was Sobito.

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

The scent of the leopard grew strqnger as the Jungle Lord followed a circuitous route in the rear of the huts. Evidently the phantom beastthing had been cautious. Was it possible, he wandered, that there was a leopard trained by a fiendish master mind to murder men ?

With Major Hoople

OUT OUR WAY

WELL, I SEE \J/ WHAT? Vr-/ I DON'T KNOW V NO-THATS TO \^j IGO BACK \ HAVE THEY U-/ IF THEY DO THAT \ KEEP UP SHOP 11 1 TO MY OWN \jj HAD SOU ON PURPOSE.OR \ ATTENDANCE, ft 1* LITTLE MACHINE . ON MV NOT—PUTTIN'AN AN' CUT DOWN u THIS MORNING r MACHINE APPRENTICE KIP \ ON BALL GAME THEY DIDN'T AA WHILE I jl ON VOUR MACHINE ATTENDANCE- HJ \\ EXPECT YOU / Was OFF ?/ WHILE YOU'RE off) EVEN TU'BULL o’ * A &ACK FOR / v TO TAKE SOME / TH' WOODS-COULD- \ A WEEK, y <Z \ OF TH' CONCEIT / N'T ENJOY A BALL V \ \ OUT OF VOU. /I GAME,IF HE KNEW YH .Jfcjt-N \ TH'OFFICE BOV Ifooc r \e| dH r.inu T \ WAS MAKING GOOD fN BV NC* sC*v>cr INC T M BfC U

meanwhile, the robber hems the sheriff^ —/ here he comes-uoLy SMOKE MY Gi)N?y-^ i. Sr ~~ ~ —/

NICE,EH-YEAH !) ( “BUT, JUS' LET THAT AINT THAT 1 MUG TRY GITT/M' THIS J

Suddenly the trail swerved and led straight to the door of a hut. Tarzan halted. He had the wild beast's reluctance to enter an unfamiliar inclosure. His kegn nostrils quivered. He sniffed in short quick intakes of air. He knew he was at the end of the traill

—By Edgar Rice Burroughs

Within that dark, forbidding interior lay some terrible secret which he was resolved to uncover. A low, ominous growl rumbled in the beast-man's throat &s right hand leaped to his knife, and the blade glinted in the eerie light of the torches. Tarzan was ready!

COMIC PAG*

y Williams

—By Blosser

—By Crane

—By Hamlin

—By Martin