Part 24 (1/2)
After much delay the General was finally reached. ”What the h.e.l.l are you calling me for at this time of the morning?” he roared over the phone.
”I'm sorry, sir, but it's about two women that have just waded the river, and we have detained them, and they have insisted that we call you, or they will take it up with the American Consul. I thought it best to call you.”
Evelyn leaned her ear close to the receiver.
”Are they respectable women?” asked the General.
”I'll answer that question,” said Evelyn, as she s.n.a.t.c.hed the receiver from the Lieutenant. ”What the h.e.l.l difference does it make whether we are considered respectable or not--we are American citizens, that ought to be enough.”
”Why were you wading the river at this hour of the morning?” asked the General.
”Because we want to get home, and one of your lackeys refused to unlock the gates--that's why we waded the river.”
”Would you please let me talk to the gentleman who called me, please,”
said the General, as he boiled.
”Sure,” as she turned to the Lieutenant. ”He wants to talk to you,” as she handed him the receiver with mock dignity.
”Get those women's addresses and names, and let them go, and don't you call me again, as he slammed the receiver up.
”Well, what did he tell you?” asked Evelyn, with contempt.
”He asked me to get your names and addresses, and let you go home.”
”Ask h.e.l.l--he told you to, you mean--well, my name is Evelyn and I haven't got a last name, as far as you are concerned, and I live at the San Antonio Apartments,” said Evelyn.
”My name is Pearl Jones, and I live at the Hussman.”
”Hussman,” repeated the Lieutenant.
”Yeah, Hussman--and no smart cracks--from you, either--and don't get the idea that you can use the addresses for your own convenience when you have a day off.”
”I'm sorry to have caused you ladies any trouble,” smiled the Lieutenant.
”Ah, nuts to you, brother,” said Evelyn, as she gave him a loud, juicy raspberry.
”Come on, Ev--let's call a taxi--I'm as near all in as I'll ever be, and live to tell it. Come on up to my joint and stay, will you? I don't like to be alone.”
”Jees, I might as well move to your place--I don't seem to ever stay at home any more,” said Evelyn. ”Here, we will call from the same phone that big lousy Lieutenant just used,” as she turned back.
Loud rapping on the door aroused Pearl out of the deep sleep she had been in since she had climbed into bed that morning. ”Who's there?” she called, still half asleep.
”Mickey,” came the voice outside.
”Just a minute, dear, I'll let you in,” answered Pearl, as she crawled out of bed and staggered to the door.
”For the love of Heaven, don't you expect to get up today?”
”What time is it?” asked Pearl, yawning.