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PAGE EIGHT. THE DAILY TIMES-GAZETTE THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1947 | Today's Short Story A LETTER FOR MR. SMITH By Addison H. Hallock | lay in bed watching the miracle of a new day being born. Tomorrow, he thought, will be Anne's birthday . . . and he would have nothing to give her. He turned away from the window and looked at his wife. How young she looked! And she would be forty tomorrow. Unbelievable! Anne opened her eyes and smiled. Bill kissed her. "Sweet," she said. "Looks like we're going to have a nice day," Bill said. "Mmm," Anne murmured, 'I'm glad. Wish you didn't have to go to the office." "Me too," said Bill, 'I'd just like t6-lie here all day and look at you." : "Sweet," Anne said again. She turned to face Bill. "Oh, dear," she sighed, "I just remembered. Tomiorrow's . . ." "Yes, I know . , . your birth- day. And I haven't one darn thing to . . ." "Look, Bill," Anne interrupted hastily, "let's forget this one." "Forget your birthday? Have I ever?" "No, honey . . . but when a girl is . . . well, fortieth birthdavs should be skipped." --lustrated by Millet. Anne had kept asking frightened questions until Bill exploded. "You look like sixteen." Anne giggled. "Oh, Bill , . . that's just because you love me.. I look like an old hag, and you know it." The alarm broke in on them and Bill got up to shut it off. Five years ago Bill had gone berserk. Wanting his wife to have the nice things other girls had, he had gone on a spending spree. He had surprised Anne with a new radio, a fur coat. He had given her all sorts of extra money to spend on clothes. When asked where all this sudden wealth was coming from, Bill had said, "Don't you worry. It's a secret. Sometime I'll tell you 'about it." "All these things are lovely, Bill," Annie had said, "and you know I appreciate them . . . but shouldn't we be saving some- thing?" "Listen, honey," Bill had an- swered gruffly, "you deserve a break, and at Jast you're getting one. I love giving you things, isn't that enough?" Bill's lavish spending had con- tinued for more than a year. Then, one day, Anne was mend- Ing the coat of one of Bill's suits, when an overdue notice from a local loan company had fallen from a pocket. When Bill came home, she showed him the notice. At first he flatly denied any knowledge of it. But Anne pointed out that his name was on it and kept asking questions in a fright- ened voice until Bill finally ex- ploded. "All right, all right," he shouted, "It's mine. Where did you think the money was coming from. anyway?" Anne stood transfixed, watch. ing Bill get into his hat and coat. She said nothing, felt nothing. "Just in case you're interested, Mrs. Smith," Bill said icily, 'I'm in debt . . . more than five thous. and dollars in debt!" The door slammed as Bill went out, leav- ing Anne standing there. This had been the closest Bill and Anne had ever come to 8 separation. Sometime after mid. night Anne had heard the bed- room door open softly. Bill haé knelt by the bed and held her hand, asking her forgiveness. "Tc think I could hurt anyone I love so much!" He had confessed everything. / They had planned the sacrifices they would make to repay the money over the years, until streaks in the sky heralded a new jay. Bill had promised never to borrow again. "If we get in a jam," he had said, 'I'll tell you From now on we'll share our troubles as well as our pleasures . +. all of them." It had been tough going. They had been dunned mercilessly. Many of their acguaintances had iropped them. Bill had lost his iob but, when Anne expressed her 'aith in him, he took another one in the same town although the salary was lower. They had scrimped and saved. But Bill had kept his promise . . . he had never borrowed again, Bill was remembering all this as he walked home from work the next evening. He was remem: through it all. "It's a wonder she didn't kick me out," he thought. "I must have been out of my mind." Climbing the hill slowly, he be. came gloomier and gloomier "Anne's birthday," he growled "and not a thing. Always before Ive had at least a buck in my pocket." He could see the lights shining through the living room windows of the little house they had rented. "Those loan sharks! If I hadn't had to pay out all that dough just at this particular time!" : Anne was waiting for Bill in the 'sallway when he opened the front door. Anne, looking sweet in a Iress six years old. Anne, smfl- ing. Anne, rushing into his arms. "Honey," Bill sald, "Hap--" "Don't say it! Don't you re- member? We're skipping this one." Bill held her away from him a moment. "Gee, you look wone derful!" Then he drew her to hig again, and kissed her. Anne helped Bill out of his coat, took his hat. "Oh, I almost forgot," she said, going to th closet, "there's a letter." Bill looked down and picked up a letter lying on the little table in the Hall. He glanced at the return address. "Won't they ever stop dunning us?" he asked in a discouraged voice. "Oh, let the letter go until after dinner," Anne said. "Business before pleasure!" Bill ripped open the envelope' and quickly drew out the large white sheet. "Dear Mr. Smith," he be- gan to read sarcastically, "This is to infam you that, in accordance with our records . . ." Bill paused a moment. - Then he began to read again, his expression chang- ing. ". . . the money you bor- rowed from us has been repai in full, and your canceled note is attached hereto. Due to an error on our part, we find that you have been overcharged on this account, and a check, drawn in your name, in the amount of $76.72 is here in our office. If you will call at your earliest convenience, we will . . ." the letter slipped from Bill's lifeless fingers to the floor. "Honey," Anne said; "Oh, Honey!" Bill, holding Anne close, was glad that she couldn't see the dampness around his eyes. "Our last debt," Anne mur- mured against Bill's 'chest, "You've paid our last debt .", , oh, Bill!" Bill kissed the tip of Anne's left ear. "Happy Birthday, Sweet- heart," he said. (Copyright) Gun-Toters Washington's 'New Worry Washington, July 24--(AP)--The arrest of another gun toter at the Capitol--just after a surprise visit Wednesday by President Truman to the Senate--prompted fresh talk to- i of tightening Congressional se- © But the second incident of its kind in 10 days found United States lawmakers still wondering what can be done. The latest episode occurred when Capitol police seized an armed for- mer United States serviceman a men's washroom in the Senate of the Capitol. Scarcely five minutes before, Tru- man had left the building after making an unannounced visit and brief speech to the Senate, where he once was a member. The washroom is off a corridor through which the President walk- ed on his way to the Senate cham- ber, one flight up. The other incident occurred July 12 when a former Capitol policeman fired two shots harmlessly at Sena- tor John W. Bricker (Rep.-Ohio) as Bricker was about to board a sub- way car which runs between the Senate office building and the capi- tol. - The officer was sent to a hos- pital here for observation. SUPPL 'ORKSHOPS London--( Fifty workshops, fully equipped with war surplus tools, are to be supplied through U.NEBS.C.O. for the reconstruction and refitting of destroyed or dam. aged schools in war.devastated countries. Twelve workshops will go to China, nine fo Poland, eight to Czechoslovakia, seven to Greece and | five to the Philippines. PAINTER'S PLUSH TAXI Windsor, Ont.--(CP)--People on Dougall Avenue are apparently quite amused at the spectacle of a painter being chauffeured to and from work in a lovely large car. The high point was when at noon recently the brush wielding painter had forgot- ten his lunch. It was dutifully de- livered by a lady in the plush auto- mobile, =~ desing how swell Anne had beer. Polio Cases Increasing On Prairie By The Canadian Press Mid July, most critical period of the year for dreaded poliomyelitis, saw the Prairie provinces report outbreaks of the disease, during the past 48 hours, There were two cases reported in Ontario during the past two days and in Vancouver, health authorities ordered local wading pools closed in an effort to combat the scourge that has hit British Columbia with greater force than any other province this year. Sixty- eight cases have been reported there this year. In Alberta, an 18-year-old boy was stricken at his home in Brem- ner, 12 miles south of Edmonton yesterday to bring the total suffer- ers to eight in the province. Five are being treated in the Edson area, two in Stettler and the latest at Bremmer. Saskatchewan has suffered com- paratively mildly so far with 16 ca- ses reported this year, eight in Re- gina. There a four-year-old child was diagnosed ag having polio yes- terday to bring the total to six for July, There have been no deaths this year in Saskatchewan and health authorities report most cases are mild. First death from the crippling di- sease in Manitoba occurred yester- day when 14-year-od girl succumb- ed in Brandon hospital and a sharp increase in the number of cases dur- ing the past 48 hours worried health Hefficials. Bix new cases were report- ed in Winnipeg and one in Bran- don, to bring the Manitoba total to 11 for the year. A four-year-old girl from Tim- mins, was flown for treatment to Toronto yesterday, suspected as a victim of the disease that appears to mainly attack young children. The day before, a 23-year old Tim- mins man was treated for the di- sease by local doctors. Thickly populated Quebec appear- ed relatively free from the disease with ony three mild cases listed. It appeared the disease slackened off toward the Eastern part of the country with two cases in Saint Jclin--the first this year--reported within the past few days. A nine- year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy were stricken eildly with no paraly- sis in either case. The provincial to- tal is six, with the remaining four in scattered parts of the province. Pat on Back Canuck Radio Drama Series By E. M. CHANTLER Canadian Press Staff Writer Let's pat backs again. The reputation earned by Cana- dian radio repertory groups, such as "Stage 47" and the current "It's A Legend" series--has brought a gracious tribute from Jack Gould, radio editor of New York Times. Commenting on the recent "pip- ing" of CBC's "It's A Legend" pro- gram from Toronto to Manhattan's station WNEW, Gould said: For several years the company has been "much the most exciting radio repertory in North America" and it "rather handily takes the measure of the American networks on such points as freedom from petty censorship and a willingness to experiment." Remember Gracie Fields, the "Biggest Aspidistra In The World" Lancashire warbler? After four years spent before Hollywood lenses and making personal cross-contine ent tours, she's back at BBC micro- phones again. Britain's top varie- ty artist has a new weekly series, "Gracie's Working Party," reflect- ing the talent of British workers for making their own entertain. ment--the singers and instrumen- talists, choral societies, novelty acts, dance bands and comedians from the factories and mine pits. Variety reports United States network and advertising executives plenty riled at the non-too-gentle ribbing they receive in M.G.M.'s "The Hucksters." The high brass of the industry asked for a preview showing and by the time the "fin- is" fadeout came--their necks had taken on a charming heliotrope shade. Hopping mad, they de- manded some cuts in the film, par- ticularly those sequences where ra- dio is shamed rather than ridi- culed. Metro's Leo the Lion yawn. ed, sat tight and the war was on. Ah, the trials of a radio come- dian--two radio comedians, in fact, Jimmy Durante and Garry = Moore are being sued for $10,000 balm by Jack Douglas, gag writer. Douglas, who for some years made ends meet with a $1,000 weekly salary, charged that when Schnozzle and his phrase-flipping partner drop- ped him--they did so too abruptly and it wasn't a bit funny. Nostalgia note: The "is every- body happy?" man now is hitting radio in a big way. Ted Lewis, the "high hatted tragedian of song," has completed 39 recorded pro- grams due for release soon. Lewis recently fondled the battered high hat, his trademark since 1917, and sald he was going to Hollywood to discuss an autobiographical film yarn--if Jolson could do it why couldn't he? Dear boss: Could I please reply to the following ad placed in a New York entertainment journal? "Wanna make a pitch? Smart radio package for hire! You get one hep radio gal complete with the gimmicks: Seven years net- work, agency production and pro- gramming--exciusive to your radio department. Wanna make a pitch? I'm listening." We'd be delighted. But can you ghost a radio column? TORNADO Winnipeg, July 24--(CP)--Winni. peg Weather Bureau reported last night it had observed a tornado which appeared to be centred about 15 miles west of Stevenson Field, Winnipeg's airport, on the west side of the city. The tornado, which lasted about 15 minutes," gradually receded into the clouds. TO MATCH GENEROSITY London--(CP) -- Speaking to a group of teachers leaving for Can- ada in the interchange of teachers scheme, George Tomlinson, minister of education, said "we will do our| * best to match Canadian generosity when we have the pleasure of seeing | 65, WHOLESALE DAMAGE London--(OP)--Only 270 out of ,000 dwellings in Lewisham bor. Canadian teachers on exchange over | ough escaped bomb damage during here next year." the war. LITTLE COVENT MARKET FRESH CAUGHT WHITEFISH .............» 23: FRESH RED COHOE SALMON cw ree 1» 37- FRESH YOUNG ROASTING CHICKENS FREE DELIVERY! PLEASE PLACE YOUR ORDERS THE DAY PREVIOUS! DAILY FLIGHTS % nnm-- -- msm. mam------ ee. a -------- NON-STOP SERVICE NEW YORK ALL FLIGHTS ON STANDARD TIME FOR FULL PARTICULARS TELEPHONE Adelaide 5231 Toronto OR YOUR TRAVEL AGENT PASSENGER . AlR TRANS -CANADA + TRANSCONTINENTAL . MAIL . INTERNATIONAL . AIR EXPREMS VAL LZ I Orchard View Blvd. WILL REMAIN CLOSED ULY 28th « AUG. 4t HACKNEY MOTOR SALES Ford & Monarch Dealers : North Oshawa (INCLUSIVE) 1 values. Here it is, the sale of the year. Franklin-Simon, Oshawa's newest and smartest dress shop, offers you these unusual New fall fashions arriving every day are crowding our stock rooms . . . summer merchandise must be cleared. in Sumon UP TO 509 REDUCTION ON CUR SUMMER DRESSES Come in and see our fashionable and varied selection of summer pastels, in printed and plain jersey, crepe, chambray and linen. $22.95. SALE PRICE a SAVE "09 lenish your nd for t one of our suits rang! from 10 values up to Special Sale $45. Sizes 11-44. Reg. values up to BUT BE IN STYLE THIS FALL obe now at t Come in an ng in sizes ; 20. Reg. Price ---------- UNUSUAL s5 VALUES Due to lack of space, we are forced to clear out some of our stock. This special group of dresses must go ...and LADIES, they are going at only $5 each. DON'T MISS THIS UNUSUAL VALUE... . sizes range from 12 to 44. All dresses in the popular colors and materials, so much in demand today. 1/3 OFF ON ALL SPORTSWEAR Including pleated skirts, slacks and slack suits in a good range of colors and sizes. $9.9 hese prices, d select Franklin -Simo mn NEWEST AND SMARTEST DRESS SHOP IN TOWN COR. OF SIMCOE & RICHMOND OSHAWA PHONE T15W