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Show THE PAGE SIX I V Friday, December 30, 1927 NEPHI, UTAH S, ''V"' ( i TIMES-NEW- lr rrro HI NewTrar'5 Story By ROBERT STEAD DALE ruefully mud on his new An automobile bad swept by, regardless .of the thaw which ushered In the first day of the year, and left him plentifully bespatCLIFTON Mil.overcoat. the tered. "I shall make another resolution," said Mr. Dale, as he tried to flick the tenacious mud from his garment. Entering his office In the little prairie town where he was known as "our enterprising realtor, Mr. Clifton Dale," he seated himself at his desk and took from his pocket a memorandum book. It opened at a page Inscribed, "New Year Resolutions," and Mr. Dale smiled grimly as he read the one and only entry: "Under no circumstances will I allow myself to be married to any female during this year. I I C. D." V.. ' J:-- That entry had been made In poignant moment At Just two o'clock that morning, on his way home from the Old Timers' ball, he had paused at his office to place his decision on record. It was the Immediate result of the behavior of Miss Adeline Hill, who, after protesting to Mr. Dale that her program was full, had danced eight times with Amery Hodge, proprietor of the Plainville garage. "Hodge-Hill,- " Mr. Dale commented, bitterly. He took up his pencil and made a second entry. "I shall be careful to observe the speed limits, and not to splash Innocent pedestrians," he wrote. At that moment his telephone rang. "Oh, Cliff, this Is Addie speaking. I am so glad I got you " "You ?re, eh? Well, you haven't got me yet, let me tell you, young A .i.aAarifci CXXXXXXXXXXXXDOX)COCOOOOOC)0 The New Years a.. wrA"w ALICE B. & PALMER Dooooocooooocxxxxxxxxxxxxx the past six years of Tom's ten of married life he had celebrated New Tear's apart from bis wife. He had enjoyed what he called "the time of his life," but it ad always ended up in an hilarious outburst. In each case now for six years Laurel had brought him through and had forgiven him. let each succeeding year it had been the same thing over again. Now another year had rolled around and the boys at the ofllce were Joking about New Tear resolutions, wild parties, etc. As Tom got to thinking about It, he suddenly realized that be had not played fair with his wife when It ' came to holiday celebrations. Filled with remorse, he began to plan a "Happy New Year" for the little wom.. an this year. , The boys Joked him for 'being so quiet and thoughtful; but he paid no attention to them, for be was deep In thought. "What could he do to pay up for his gross neglect?" Alt these' years she had been so true and unselfish while be had Indulged In utter senseless dissipation. "I have It," he suddenly shouted, without realizing the whole office force was looking In his direction. "Come across what It Is, a new Joke?" exclaimed Jim, the bill clerk. "Oh no, far from it," said Torn. "I have only Just made a New Tear's resolution." Whereupon they all laughed heartily; and Joe, the sweeper, who was passing by, chuckled Inwardly as he tbougbt oi the big party hlch was "on" that night. The day, very suggestive of the holiday spirit, I OR ft was cold end while crisp; Icicles about hung profusion and the snow, heavily packed, sparkled In the sunlight. Tom begged to be excused an hour earlier and Joyously bounded off on his New v Year's escapade. First he darted across the street and purchased two theater tickets, then to the Crystal restaurant, where he reserved a table. Next he rushed to the florist's simp (to which he hnd been a strai.ger for many years) and ordered a corsage bouquet of mixed sweet pens, her favorite flower. Then he found himself entering nn exclusive women's apparel shop. Just around the corner. He felt sort of wobbly In here and was Just about ready to flee when a pleasant, elderly lady addressed him: "What can ! do for you, sir?" Then he explained to her that he would like to have a complete outfit for hja wife for a New Year's party. . The efficient saleslady understood perfectly, and ushered him about picking out the finery. lie remembered hearing his wife speak of the new color called "Tyson blue" that blue had been the color of her wedding gown so he decided to hare everything of that delightful shade which he knew wonld please her. F'nully, loaded down with bundles, be irnly was a New Tear'a 8unta Claus, or felt like one anyway, for his In heart wag filled with Joy. ' "Twas surely more blessed to give than to receive," thought Tom, as he trudged along toward home. "Now the next move on the checkerboard," he thought, "is to get 'these things into the house without her knowing it" How could he do It? Then the thought struck him. He could get his sister, who lived around the corner, to call Laurel, over by phone. So, stopping at the first available telephone booth, he did so. Then when the ceast was clear be slipped into the house and was up to her room where he spread out the adorable outfit upon her snowy bed. The blue against the white spread did look beautiful, even to a man's eyes. Why had he never thought of anything like this before? Why, It was more fun than all the parties he had ever attended. You see, the true holiday spirit had hit Tom, and hit him very, very hard. Suddenly he heard her call: "Oh Tom, is that you? Supper Is ready and your favorite apple dumplings." "Yes, dear, I am coming," he hurriedly replied, as he rushed down two steps at a tlre. Cut as they sat eating, be noticed that she was not very hungry and wore a sad, tired expression. She, no doubt, was thinking of the usual New Year's escapade. Tom chuckled within as he thought of his glorious surprise. He was wondering how to proceed. After praising the delicious apple dumplings, for which he only received a faint sickly smile (she was not Interested la such things just now), he arose from the table and begnn to dress for the evening. When all ready," he kissed her goodby, and said he was going to the club. He hated to do It, for It nearly broke bis heart to see her Hps tremble as If about to utter a protest. But she cared too much for his happiness to Interfere, so she only said : "I hope you have a good time, Tom." He quickly turned away and left her standing there, heartsick and weary. Other years he had not been able to comprehend ; now when It dawned upon him, he felt like a brute and vowed a secret resolution with his heart alone never to leave her again. Then he rushed around the corner to his sister and disclosed the whole beautiful secret. She was delighted and gave him a bis brotherly hug and kiss. Then she said : "Why, Tom, that Is the best thing you ever did In your life." "Yes, I know It, Lot, and I am ashamed of myself but never again." Then he made a dash for home and the "surprise." His wife had thrown herself upon the overstuffed davenport In despair, to await the awful midnight scene. She arose quickly, as she heard his step In the hallway. "He must have forgotten something, poor dear, or he wouldn't be back so early," thought she. The next moment be rushed In with a loud cry of "Happy New Year, Laurel." She could hardly believe her own ears as she gazed at him stupidly. "Why, what's the trouble, Tom?" "Nothing, my dear. I only came to get you to spend New Year's Eve with me, for a change." "How lovely, Tom, but yog forgot that 1 have no party outfit." "Never mind about that. Just dress as quickly as you can, while I glance through the paper." She turned from him, the tears streaming down her ftice. as she thought of her only available gown, an ugly gray cashmere. She could tenr It Into shreds, she hated It so. On the way upstairs she secretly wished that some disaster hnd come upon It, so that she would not be obliged to wear It. What a revelation, as she opened tie door to her room and beheld the They Came Home on New Year's Eve , By fane Roth bad I the children cant There's an auto at the gate now," replied his wife. A stranger alighted and came to the 192T, Western NewjpaptrTJn'ioii: Resolutions of 1928 Old New Year's Resolution By Martha Banning Thomas spise or think meanly of In another. Resolved, never to do Reanything out of revenge. solved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do If It were the last hour of my life. Jonathan Edwards. 1927. ((cX Western Newspaper fairy outfit spread out upon her bed. The beaded dress of Tyson blue sparkled under the electric light and the dainty 6atin slippers with the spider-wesilk stockings were a perfect match. Then the bonnet of blue silk chiffon trimmed with tiny forget-me-nocapped the climax. She watched It up t. I ' f and placed It upon ber bead, forgetting everything else for the moment 'TIs strange what effect sudden happiness has upon ns mortals. It goes to show that all Is mental after all. She was a new being os she frantically called Tom In her bewilderment He came bounding up the stairs, his eyes sparkling and his face wreathed In a "Happy New Year" smile. "Hurry up and put It on and let'i see how you look. We are going to the theater and then to the Crystal restaurant where we shall dine and dance. Yon are to be the Cinderella of the evening and I the happy Prince. Won't that be glorious, dear?" As the situation began to drawn upon her consciousness, she opened her hazel eyes and her pretty rosebud mouth both at once; but the words would not come they simply refused, so she begnn to tear off the old cloth-In- s and get Into the new. She hnd Just finished when they were startled by the loud ringing of the door bell. Laurel rushed down to answer It, with Torn close at her heels grinning from ear to ear, for he knew very well what It was. "Why Tom, how did you ever think of oil this? she asked. For there were the sweet peas fresh from the Night r know he Is so unreliable. Won't you come?" But Mr. Dale was firm. "Maybe I'd find your program full," he growled. A silvery laugh over the wire disarmed him. "I'll explain all that If you get here first," she said. Then she added, significantly, "There's more than a broken car at stake." Mr. Dale made a dash out of his ofllce. Jumped Into his car, and whizzed Into Main street Just as Amery Hodge turned In from the other side of the b ts til thoroughfare. In a moment the two cars were abreast. They crossed the railway tracks, spattering mud In every direc- iff florist "Now I truly do feel like a real Cinderella," as she lovingly pressed the flowers against her soft cheek. "P.ut Tom, I am afraid It Is on'.y a drcum, and that 1 shall awake and find myself In the a.h heap of despair, waiting for your return." With a shudder she burled her bend upon his slieiulder. It was fur from a dream, for the next moment the shrill horo of a taxi was calling them from without Thus, arm In arm, they set forth for their New Year's celebration together. (ft. HIT. Went era Newspaper Vnv Direction. ! tion. Both drivers knew that Just at the town limits the snowbound road narrowed down to the width of one vehicle. The car which readied that narrow road last would have to remain behind for the rest of the trip. Punching his accelerator down as far as It would go, Mr. Hodge, In his new speedster, got ttie edge on his adversnry. But Just as lie swung Into the country rnnd his renr wheels skidded, and Mr. Dale slipped by, missing him by an Inch. Fortunately mere was a porn or muddy water ar the spot, and when Mr. Dale glanced back the new speedster hnd the ap-penrance of a resurrected scow. Thereafter Dale set his own pace. Dodge overtook him, but could do nothing but honk at the real estate magnate's car ambling on abend. At the stranded Hill car Adiillne, her eyes warm with welcome, took Dale's hands In hers. "You win," she aid. "I'.nt I don't understand! Why did yon furn me down last night?" "I'll tell yon on the way home. Amery can help Dad out. After all. It's his car." ;' , ; ( ! "Ills car?" An they drove on together Adullne explained. "I've been trying to get Dad to trade In the old car," she said, "hut he arC Mr. Hodge couldn't agree on the price. After eight dances last flight Amery raised his bid a hundred dollars That's a little better than twelve dollars a dance. Isn' It?" Mr. Dale took nut his nofchoos and made another entry. "Itcsoiutlon Nos. ) and 2 ore vetoed by the president," It read. Then: "Ailnline, you are a business woman." he said, with profound admiration. "Perhaps. she laughed. "Hut ! read enough poetry to know thnl Hill and Dale alwcys go together." ((EX 117. W eat H Mewnpeper Union.) UE papers were filled with accounts of the daring mur ders or jerry cotter, me police offered a 'iberal pension for life to anyone of their staff finding the criminal, and a reward of $10,-(U- 0 to any outsider who brought the dead or live body of Jerry Cotter to the department while the newspapers bad together offered $50,000 for bis capture, dead or alive, lie bad killed two bank clerks In an attempt to rob a largo bank of more than one hundred thousand dollars. In the pursuit by the police wblcb followed he bad shot five policemen. He was the most desperate of desperadoes. Pictures and descriptions of hlra appeared everywhere. He had jet black balr, a black mustache and heavy eyebrows. New Year's night a lively scene was enacted at Fourth and Main streets. As the crowds "f fj C Every tb greeti- Jolly merrymak eraa poured out of popular theater, a dark man with Jot black hair, a black mustache and heavy eyebrows wag seized by several policemen. The man attempted to escape. Practically everyone In the holiday crowd, having read of the wild shooting Cotter was given to, took to their heels. Only one brave person, a mnn with light hair, Blmost no eyebrows at all. and no mustache, stepped up to help the police. "Mighty fine of you, pnrdner, to help us out You're taking a ehnnce, you know. This Cotter's a hard "gg." As the patrol wagon drove up, one of the policemen nnnded the man his card. "Tim Mnlone's my name. If ever you need sny service that I can render you, let me know." one And the three the In Irons drove off. Several blocks down, the fair gentleman turned Into a quiet, modest street and walked Into the third house. An elderly, kindly womnn met blrn at the door. "Oh, you take Btich chances, Jerry. Don't you know the police will find you; you're too bold." "Never worry, mother, they'll never cntch Jerry Cotter. I start the New Year even with a great friend at ie police office Tim Mulone. Hj'i render me sny service I happen ro laughed the man as h drew off tlie light wig with bis bat exposing allck, black ha r underneath. falr-halre- d dark-haire- nd," I&. llt. s l' Wester Newspaper ant as It sounds. "Oh hum I" he yawned; "thus world wags. I wish something different would pop up." Something different did pop up, but nothing like what he was looking for. There came a knock on the door, and the knock somebody entfollowing ered. It was such a strange somebody that he could not possibly be described. "Great Caesar!" exclaimed Mr. , Jumping up from his chair, tn By Marion Reagan Mud in friends, night some small remembrances which did not excite him any, because be them, and got expected them every year. Tbere'a nothing especially thrilling In such a program, pleas New Year's Spattering upon EASY-G- for bed ngs and Jerry Cotter's Union.) usual was preparing on New Xear He bad enjoyed day with many calls R. door. "This radio was sent to you," he said. He Installed It and left. At the appointed hour Mr. Burt tuned in. "Why, Pal" cried Mrs. Burt, "It'a John speaking at the banquet." This finished, they got another sta, tion. "SInry piayin' an' Verna singing' whispered Mrs. Burt. "Why, I'a, now they're playtn' "Home, Sweet Home," for us." When this finished she smiled "They came home after all, what a happy New Year." s Eas;9-Go'- with all do live. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, to Improve It In the most profitable way I possibly can. Resolved, never to do anything which I should de- to live RESOLVED, while I woman " "Oh. Cliff, don't be silly I We're broken down, Dad and I, eight miles out on the main road south. Father has telephoned Mr. Hodge, but you come home," said Mr. Burt. X gffv Calwa.1 Easy-Go- are you?" you recognize me?" quavered an old voice with a crack in It "You've known me for twenty years. It's a funny thing if you can't tell who I am. Mr. Easy-G- o regarded his visitor In some alarm. He was twisted and thin arjd gnarled and be bad do particular shape or features. "I have been your most Intimate friend for a long time," continued tbe cracked old voice; "I did not alwayi look like this; I was once young and straight and full of vim. You starved "who "Don't wind-beate- tee!" saw "Good heavens, man, I never you before I How could I. starve you?" have lived with you twenty you better than your friend. I am "1 I know year. best 01 j onr ear's Resolution r Eaa o dropped his Jaw. Mr. y-- TblDgs looked "Please explain," be serious. a shak- begged in en voice. "Twenty years you made me, and ago for you've broken me and forgotten me and twenty years starved cannot another me. i survive twelve months, so I have come to warn you." With that the twisted old figure limped out of the room. Mr. Easy-G- o sat staring a long time Into his fire, "lie's right," he slowly, "that dear old Itesoltition. liy George t I'll keep hlrn this year or die la the attempt 1 Perhaps he'll raid grow and vigorous again." that he got Into bed. Next morning Mr. Easy-Gstarted In on his Old Resolution, and made a New-NeYear's Resolution not to forget It .'or a day ani what's more, he accomplished HI young' With o New-Year- (CO, Western Nawnpaper Union). s 1117. New 's Year's "God Cakes" In some sections of was once a custom to on New Year's Duy. of triangular shape mincemeat New Great Britain It eat "God cakes" The cakes were and filled with Year With Hindus Among the Hindus the first clay of the year Is celebrated with sacrifice to tin god of wisdom. |