The Weber Literary Journal "Mother just seems to delight in my trouble," said Marion as she left the room where her mother was enjoying a good hearty laugh after one of her 'phone calls. When Mr. Harland returned home for dinner he was rather vexed because it wasn't ready. The morning newspaper was lying on the table, so to pass the time away he picked it up and began to read. He was attracted by a notice which was as follows: "Automobile driver take heed! Anyone arrested for breaking traffic regulations will not be allowed to go out on bail nor be freed with paying a fine. Every one will be put in jail to await his trial. Court will close at 12:00 a. m., and anyone committing an offense after that time will await his trial until the next day." "Do you hear that?" and he read the article to his wife. "Now if everyone were as careful as I am there would be no need for such restrictions. But people will be careless, and I hope a few of them learn a lesson from this. That is the very law I would make if I were in office. That's a fine law," he added with approval. All during dinner Mr. Harland could think of nothing else but the excellent law. "It will do a few of these people good to be put in jail overnight. A good many of them need to stay there. Anyone that breaks a law is a bad citizen and I will have nothing to do with him and neither will you," turning to Marion. After Mr. Harland had gone to work Mrs. Harland told Marion when Rex called up to let her talk to him. "Let you talk to Rex?" "That's what I said." "Why mother what do you want to talk to Rex for?" Had her mother lost her mind or whatever could be ailing her? Marion was unable to decide. "Never mind, deary," coolly replied Mrs. Harland, "but just let me give you a hint: If you want to make father change his mind do as I tell you and ask no questions." Marion was completely dumbfounded. How in the world her mother, that mild, obedient, placid little lady, ever ex- 18 The Weber Literary Journal pected to get around that hard-hearted, radical husband of hers was more than Marion could see. In fact it seemed so ridiculous to her that she began to laugh in spite of all her trouble. Mrs. Harland sat down in her rocker and began knitting. She knew how absurd it all appeared to Marion but she would show her she had a little bit of wits about her. When the telephone rang about three o'clock in the afternoon Mrs. Harland answered it, "Hello yes wait just a moment." Then turning to Marion she said, "I just happened to think, Marion dear, that I left the light on up in my clothes closet. Would you mind running up and turning it off and while you are up there look for my old ball of yarn." Marion started reluctantly up the stairs. Why wouldn't her mother let her listen to her telephone conversations? She was really beginning to get curious. When she reappeared at the foot of the stairs Mrs. Harland called out, "Here's Rex on the telephone." After Marion's talk with Rex things seemed more hopeless than ever. He had been unable to give her any encouragement and she had also been unable to give him any. Mr. Harland worked later than usual that night and so had to hurry a little faster to get home and ready for "The Goodmen's Club," where he was to give a talk. He was just in the middle of the block when a car, without giving warning, suddenly backed out and collided with him. Mr. Harland jumped out and ran around to the driver of the other car yelling excitedly, "What do you mean by backing out without giving warning? Look what you've done to my car. I shall have you arrested." "What's the trouble here?" interrupted an officer and, on seeing the two battered cars, turned to one of the assembled group. "Call a garage and tell them to come and get these two cars." "I'll take my car home," replied Mr. Harland. "You'll come with me to the jail," coolly replied the officer. "The jail? Say, do you realize who I am? The jail?" 19