Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 January 1938 — Page 14

By ELINORE COWAN STONE Copyright, 1997, NEA Service, Ine.

; CAST OF -CHARACTERS “LINDA BENTON—Heroine, daughter ‘8 a famous singer. CAPT. BARRYMORE TRENT—Hero, flying “daredevil.” MIRANDA TRENT—Barrymore’s grandmother; a “strong woman.”

Yesterday: Linda learns that Barry's grandmother is lonely and ill. And then 8 note in the paper the next morning changes her entire outlook.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN EGGIE GRIMES’ column flourished on innuendo. “People are beginning to ask Questions,” Linda read now, “about the mysterious and spirituelle little singer who has suddenly begun to pack ’em in at a well-known night club of our fair city. . Who,

- Since the issue has been raised, is Silvia? Where did she come from into the here? Your commentator is old enough to remember the nights when Linda Audubon was standing the stage door

' Johnnies on their ears before the

scandal of her tragic end. The resemblance — in voice, appearance, and a uniquely effortless. gift for ‘putting it across'—is so remarkable as to suggest something more than mere coincidence. . . . Oh, well, we merely mention it for what it is worth.” “The one thing,” Tony said, “that spoils Reggie Grimes’ meals, is a mystery. But you don’t have to tell him or any of ‘em anything you don’t want to—not me either,” he added. . # 2 #2 : HE was my mother,” Linda said steadily. “I have often been told that I am very much like her.” “Then this is O-kay by me.” Tony tapped the paper. “But how about you?” “Why should I mind?” Linda demanded proudly. “I never understood—what happened to her—Until I was grown up. Then I was never ashamed, only—sorry. . . .» This just doesn’t matter.” But she knew now that she would Dever write to old Miranda for that

- Almost over night the legend of Silvia Star had taken possession of the city. Everywhere people were h or whistling the quaint, wistful air Tony used for her entrance cue. Orchestras jazzed it; radio entertainers crooned it.

NE afternoon, a day or so after - her talk with Tony, Linda went down town under the wing of Mrs. Campagno to shop. They went for lunch to a fashfonable tea-room in the shopping district of the city. Hardly had they entered when, in the midst of a number, the orchestra broke off, while the leader murmured with his men. Then, as Linda walked to her table, the leader turned, and bowing ostentatiously to her, raised his baton; and the plaintively sweet strains of “Who Is Silvia?” floated through the room. . People turned to stare. Then “they applauded and Whispered among themselves.

Linda would have retreated in confusion; but Mrs. Campagno steered her compétently to a table. “You gotta get used to this sort of thing.” Mrs. Campagno almost purred with complacénce. “When the orchestras all over town begin to cue you, that means youre a top liner.” “Oh,” said Linda.

HIS was something she had not taken into consideration. All , She had wanted was to earn a living ‘ and to forget in work—even for a few brief hours each day — that hideous suffering that tore her Fen she allowed herself to remem-

She had a quick mental vision of |

old Miranda's reaction if she had been here to see this—of the fastidious Joreine of her nostrils, the aloof, ul amusement in her steady eyes. . The Trent women, Linda “had. gathered, did not run to being *top-liners.” Whether or not Tony, himself, had arranged the little demonstraon—as Linda sometimes suspected ~it immediately became a popular gesture. Soon Linda could not step into a public place that someone did

not play or sing “Who Is Silvia?”

# # ”

B= Linda went obediently about the routine Tony and his sister planned for her. She. practiced. her simple little songs with the orchestra; she tried on the sim ple frocks that Tony had designed for her; she showed herself occasionally at the most discreet of the fashionable amusement. places, always aloof under Mrs. Campagno’s proud ‘chaperonage—for -being seen seemed to be part of her job. And if, when she was tired, she sometimes felt waves of homesickness for that great shadowy house where she seemed to have left so vital a part of herself—even for that indomitable, proud old woman who was alone there with her own unhappiness, Linda ‘determinedly beat the feeling down. - Why return, even in imagination, to the fire that once had burned her so unendurably? Better to refrozen and anaesthetized except for those few minutes each aight when she came to life in song. One evening, however, her un-

carefully lowered tone, “When you comin’ home, Miss Linda?” There came the sharp tap-tap of a cane on the polished floor, and then old Miranda's imperious voice, co nearer: “Is that Miss Benton, Jefferson? Why did you not tell me? I wish to speak with her.” Linda hung up and sat’ down weakly for a moment.

# 8 8 pl ONY was deeply immersed in his plans for his New Year's celebration, which was to be what he called “super-super-colossal.” But something had come up that made it hard for Linda to take much interest in the event. There were rumors in some of the papers that an amateur radio operator somewhere in Texas claimed to be picking up faint signals from the radio of the lost Aurelius expedition. The later editions had it that he had succeeded in translating whole words, names and phrases, and that one of the names was that of Capt. Barrymore Trent. Late one afternoon, when Linda could endure the suspense no longer, she called up the flying field from which Barry had taken off. When a girl answered, she asked, clenching her hands to keep her voice steady, “I wonder if you can give me some information about Captain Trent?” “Captain who? Oh, him! Well, what do you want to know?” The girl’s voice was indifferent, as if she had dropped more enter-

taining matters to answer the telephone, |

lessly— “I mean, have you any new information about Captain Trent?”

“O% they gave him up several days’ ago . . . Who is this speaking, please?” The girl became bruskly efficient. : Something in her pert indifference stung Linda to incaution. “This,” she said, Trent’s wife, and could have bitten off her tongue when she heard the girl titter under ‘her breath, and say to someone beside her: “A dame is asking about Capt. Trent.” Again that suppressed tit-

wife. Wouldn't that burn Magda Shirley up?” Linda hung ‘up in a panic. That evening the papers all discounted the rumors of the morning. Experts were quoted as saying that the frequency on which the Texas amateur claimed to have picked up the signals did not coincide with that on which the Aurelius expedition—or Capt. Trent, either—had been transmitting. Moreover, why should an amateur in Texas pick up messages that the powerful government stations in the Panama had failed to get? So Linda put on her gray trouk and went out to sing her simple songs, to a crowd even bigger than she night before.

(To Be Cont ued)

(All events, names and characters in this story are wholly fotitions.)

Daily Short Story

WHO'S WHO—By Nina Brooks |

IM KELLY, night clerk at the "Grove City police station, hung up the telephone receiver wearily. “Larry is just too’ all-fired popular to be kept in jail,” he said to George Holman, janitor, who had just come in, dust mop in hand, to begin his

day’s work. “Who's Larry?” asked George. “I don’t know. Some fellow who was run in for careless driving or something. He was brought in some time yesterday afternoon, before I came on duty. He's sure a popular bird with the ‘ladies. I betcha 175 girls and ‘women have phoned. this morning, all clamoring: for us to let him out-and wanting to blow up the police station ‘for holding him. It

‘beats anything I've ever experienced

in my five years’ work here.” “What's he booked for? Ain't his name ’'n’ occupation on: the police book?” “The ' daybook- is in the “chief's desk and he won't be in for two hours. I have only the" hight; 1 records here.” bial “Br-r-r-r-ri” “There it goes again!” Jim fervently ejaculated “something under his breath as he reached for the telephone. ‘Yes, miss—yes, Larry's

Mind Your Manners

Test your knowledge of correct social usage by answering the following questions, then checking against the authoritative answers below: ; 1. Should a salesman who learns the location of a pros- . pective customer’s private of- ' fice walk in unannounced if he is afraid he won't be granted an interview otherwise? + 2. If a customer does not ask - a salesman to have a chair, should he sit down anyway? ; 3. Should a salesman offer his hand to a prospective buyer? ‘4. Does a wise salesman open a business interview by talking about his interests or those of his customer? © : -5. Should a business man treat “a salesman “courteously whether he is interested in his product or not? =:

What would you you do H— Th

. A Go on talking without oppearing to notice that he much atten-

B Stop talking until he gives Jou his undivided attenon? C Say, “Mr. ir Bank you dont seem interested what Thay have to. say?”

“ ‘He’s sure a popular bird with the ladies.’ ”

case will probably be taken care of today. I know it—I know it’s sad. It’s sad for Larry—sad for everybody.” 2. ” 2

\ : IM replacedfthe receiver on the .. desk and leaned back dejectedly. “That’s the way it’s been ever since sun-up—dames calling up and reeling off their worries about Larry— always Larry. That guy sure does have his public. It’s driving me nuts!” - “Maybe. he’s a radio crooner. They're always pretty popular with the ladies.”

“I've begun to think something |.

like that myself, George. But such a heart-entangling favorite ‘as he is ought to have money to pay his fine. He wouldn’t have had 0 spend the night in jail.” “I dunno about that. - People that earn. a lot of money: get awful iow in the purse sometimes.” s, but. what about all this devoted public of his? Would they be likely to let such an. idol lie in jail because he couldn't pay a measly fine?” “Maybe he’s cracked somebody up in an accident.” “Br-r-r-r!” - “Yes, this is the- police station,” Jim called into the telephone. “Yes, madam—yes—yes, it’s: too bad—I'm

| sorry that it occurred—Yes, madam,

I agree with you—I shall be pleased, immensely pleased, if his case can be the first one taken care of this morning.” : 8 # 2

IM hung up the receiver with a | tired hand. “Another female EW about Larry!” he

Swell, I'm going upstaits to clean things up and I'll give. him the onceover. I think I know all the famous people around here pretty well. Especially them radio fellas.” Gathering up his broom, mop and pail, he trudged up the rickety old’ steps at the rear of the station.

gone

[Jim Kelly could hear him going

about his work incredulously. But he was soon back. “There ain’t nobody up there that looks like anybody I know. "And I

|swept in front of his cell three

times. He just sets on the edge of

‘his cot lookin’ kinda .worried - like

out the window.” Sndupetl took up the receiver. “Yes, care of today —— you say what? Your’ life is becoming "almost unbearable without him? Im sorry— very sorry, miss.” Jim heaved a puzzled sigh as he hung up. “She's got it bad, ain’t- she?” 8 “Here's what you do. You go upstairs again and get into conver-

sation with him, casual like. I'd do

it myself but it wouldn't look smart, i not- knowing who my prisoner

3 ® 8 = VEORGE accepted the appoints ment. He returned a few: min. utes later. : pe alt —y Delptut :

”»

“Is it true—" Linda began breath-

“js Captain:

ter, and then, “She says she’s his |

,- Larry's case will be taken|

o Fien I asked ey 332 Le appeal

ONE.

TOOLS TO MEASURE

™'

I the

| .

THAT WITH A

LITTLE IN TH. SHOP, TO TH' BIGGEST IN TH' SHOP TO BORROW TH BIGGEST

LITTLEST JOB.

HABITUALS.

: STAGE-DOOR OF A THEATRE IN: A GREAT

WESTERN METROPOLIS.L . , Ce 'S FAVORITE. APPEAR fey Ber |g]

FREGKLES AND HIS FRIENDS’

INCOME: , ACCORDING TO “THAT LETTER PINNED © HS m CLOTHES ! ‘

[1415 oo oI WELL 1S suppose 4 TO BE “THE SOURCE. OF re

By Williams i

IT —1I DO IT! NATIONAL TRAIT <a

WHEN BORROWIN', BORROW ALL YOU CAN! THEY AINT DOIN' ~ NOTHIN' UNUSUAL, ONLY THAT THEY “WILL GIVE THEM i BACK... s

_SATONDAY, JAN. FLAPPER FAN NY

1, 1938

By Sylvia

“Pickles, bologna, fried egg—gee, I ought to baie: a

picture of this!”

“What for—Exzhibit A at the inquest?”

‘purine! Just SOME GUY WHO RULLED UP TO THE CURB AND LEFT HIS

MC TOR. RUNNING !

MY Sweet” TRIS 5 THE MOST WONPERFU JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO --1 WAS AFRAID I'D LOSE HEADED ROUGHNECK-- SLATS

A LAU SCRAPPLE -= WAS THAT HIS NAME? RATS ALL! ;

L NIGHT OF MY LIFE/ AND~ YOU TO THAT RED- LITLE C

WAS IT? 1 sORGEY/ DARLING = HE WAS JUST A O00 1

Na AM

madam? You women have been holding a sort of indignation council? ' You're coming down here in a body? You're going to insist that’ Larry be released at. once? Thun-

[ der and lightning!”

“Holy smoke!” George's eyes were as big as saucers. : “Women coming in a mob? Boy, I'm getting out of here fast!” He had left his mop and: his broom standing in the corner and was halfway out the door when the telephone rang once more. He waited. Jim took up the: instrument. “Yes, madam, about Larry—yes— yes—I'm sure he will be released early this morning. How's that? You say that you feel that you cannot endure. another day without him? Be patient a little longer. I am positive—yes—yes—wait a minute please. Will ‘you: kindly tell ‘me just what Larry is to .you—that is —is—is he-—is he perhaps your husband? He’s not your husband, you say? He’s—he’s your neighborhood garbage = colléctor! I~1—-under-stand!” : THE END.

(All events, Fd holy ticvers in -

SO THEY SAY.

Ask those who ‘voted! us’ into ‘that carnage (World War) if they ‘aré proud of it; I-challenged them from the Senate floor on April 6'last and their silence was Em Senator Lundeen,

Minnesota, 1 voted - against Ames oo} ‘to |

war in: 917. A

The duties. of a s Partender a grecincreasing. He must be a fellow who keeps his - wits. about him. and is equal to-any and all emergencies.— Frank Marzan in a “school” fo

Children may te wren of as

said|a dead. loss,

oe Set clogist,

Yoive gods,” said Kelly. we know

0,’ Thicae. instructor:

Be | automobile is the

ASK THE TIMES Inclose a 3-cent stamp for reply when addressing any question ef fact or information "to The Indianapolis Times Washington Service Bureau, 1013 13th St., N. W., Washington, D. C# Legal and medical advice cannot be given, nor can extended research be undertaken,

the. Federal Commission to which Joseph P. Kennedy has recently been appointed chairman?

A—U. 8. Maritime Commission. The general purpose of the Commission is to rehabilitate the American Merchant Marine; including determination of ocean services, routes and lines from points in the United States to foreign markets essential for the development andmaintenance of - foreign ' commerce. | | The Commission has power to grant subsidies to American ‘citizens: “in| aid of shipping.’ :

Q—Please give a brief. ‘description | of the burial ‘of Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, famous. gangster, who

| was killed by Federal agents a few

years ago. ' A=Floyd's. = bullet-riddled ‘body was buried in. a little hillside: cemetery. near the village of Akins, Okla., | Oct. 28, 1934, while a curious crowd, estimated at 20,000 persons looked | on, ‘The Rev. W. E. Rockett of the

‘Owen White: ‘of the Akins ‘Baptist

a How WAL die

than to push it. Is ‘that true? . A—The force | ‘fequired’ in the plane’ ‘of contact to move an ob- | ject over a surface is the same ‘whether applied as’ a ‘ Thus the force

hich. mu; ‘plied at the dr !

be ap-

Sgnied, Sxough dh fruat oe sige

Q—What is the name and duty of :

Salisaw ‘Baptist Church conducted |. : | the services, assisted by by the Rev.

more force to pull an, automobile {

push or pull. | |

ONC"

a 1l-cent Dostage stamp. Is there anything I can do about it? A—=Send full details to the Chief Inspector. U. S. Postoffice Department, Washington. - This scheme was used many years ago, and was branded by the Postoffice as use of the mails for fraudulent purposes. Q—I have a quantity of oil drained from automobile crankcases.

‘Can I use it on wood as a preserva-

tive? ; A—Lubricating oil is not sufficiently poisonous for a wood pre-

servative . against insects. If the |

wood could be thoroughly saturated with it, water would be -kept out and - decay prevented, but it is almost impossible to get enough oil | into most. woods by practical processes. For treating by the brush ‘method oil is entirely unsatistactory.

Q-—Name the first states to secede from the Union. A—South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, {and Texas. The following states { joined the Confederacy later: Virginia; North Carolina, Tennessee

and Arkansas.

Q—Describe the pelts of the black

‘monkeys of the west coast of Africa.

A—They are about 18 ‘by 10 inches. The hair is very long, very black, and ‘bright, with no underwool, and

‘the pelt at the base of ‘the hair, by

reason of. contrast, is very noticeable. g Q—What are ‘the - proper condiments to serve with raw oysters? A—Lemon or. lime, cut in’ slices or wedges, horseradish and. iabasco sauce, Q-—When did’ Radio ofty: Must Hall in Rockefeller Genter, . New York, open? :

A—Dec, 27,1982. . 0 @—Is Mr. a title? ~~ >i A—1t is dhe usual written: form: of

s ‘Mister, tle of respect. ‘same whether | 38

Q_What is: the answer. to ae probler, 2x3x1x4x0x3? .

YOUR HEALTH :

‘By Dr. Morris Fishbein ; American Medical Hoursal Bditor

? SWEET »PP

By Raeburh Van Buren (RAPPY NEV/ YEAR-MY )

Poe

=-Y~YOUR EYE"

HAPPY’ Amy : NN ; ISN'T

' congratulate you on Yr run: oe oi

26-ylinder Ymousine! Pro

will slie. sii ash Objects’ with

its fingers. It learns to walk: as [Keep

it develops, and it learns to con- |to participate: -| trol the: actions of its bowels spd and “spar WE

its” ‘bladder. : The child who is. aetially fective may ‘be “extremely late i developing ‘most of these reactions. = will not make the slightest e Lo talk ng: ‘it i 3 or. ‘more y

‘Sometimes such a art wh