Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1892-09-30


Whitcomb Riley.
Without making many acquaintances,
"Whiskers," by reason of his hirsute
became known throughout
the building, from the business Office on
the ground floor to the composing room
on the top. When he went into the lat
ter one day and passed down the long
aisle between the rows of cases and
type-setting machines, with a correct
ed proof in his hand, a certain printer,
who was setting" up clearinghouse
advertisement, could not resist the
temptation to give labial imitation of
the blowing of wind. The bygone joke
concerning whiskers and the wind was
then current, and score of compositors
took up the whistle, so that all varieties
of breeze were soon being simu-
lated simultaneously. "Whiskers" col
ored slightly, but, save dignified
strengthening of his shoulders, he
showed no other sign that he was con-
scious of the rude allusion to his copious
beard.
"Whiskers" chose Tuesday for his
day off. 1t was on certain Tuesday
evening that one of the reporters came
into the change editors room and
casually remarked:
81 saw your anti-shaving friend, who
sits at that desk, riding out to the SUI
burbs on a car to-day. He was all
crushed up and carried bouquet of
roses"
THAT settles it," cried the editorial
writer to the exchange editor, with
mock jubilatiou. There can be no
doubt the old man was leading
double life. The bouquet means
woman in the case"
"And his money goes for flowers and
presents" added the exchange editor.
Some of it, of course" went on the
editorial writer, land the rest he's saw
ing to get married on. Who'd have
thought it, at his age?"
"Why, he's not over forty. It's only
his whiskers make him look so old.
One can easily detect sentimental
vein in his composition.
THAT accounts for his fits of abstrac-
ton, too. So he's found favor in some
fair ones eyes. l wonder what she's
like?"
Young and pretty, I'll bet" said the
exchange editor. Hes impressed her
by his dignitied aspect. No doubt she
thinks he's nothing less than an editor
in-chief."
The next day "Whiskers" was tacit-
urn, as his Office associates now recalled
that he was won't to be after "his day
Off" Doubtless his thoughts dwelt
upon his visit to his divinity. He did
not respond to their efforts to involve
him in conversation.
He was observed upon his next day
off" to take car for the suburbs and
to have bouquet in his hand and a
package under his arm.
The theory originated by the editorial
writer had general acceptance. 1t was
passed from man to man in the office.
Have you heard about the queer old
duck with the whiskers who writes in
the exchange room? He's engaged to
young and pretty girl uptown and
eats at tifteen-cent soup shops SO that
he can buy her flowers and wine and
things"
"Whatl Old Whiskers in love! That's
good onel"
One day while Whiskers' pen was
busily gliding across his paper the ex-
change editor broke the silence by ask
ing him, in careless tone:
How was she yesterday, Mr.. Croy-
don?"
Whiskers looked up quickly, an ex-
preston of almost painful surprise on
his face.
"Who?" he inquired.
"Ah, you thought because you didn't
tell us it wouldn't out. But you've been
caught l mean the lady to whom you
take roses every week, of course"
Whiskers simply stared at the ex-
change editor as If quite bewildered.
"Oh, pardon me-" said the exchange
editor, somewhat abashed. 81 didn't
mean to offend you. Ones affairs of
the heart are sacred, know. But we
all guy each other about each others
amours here. We're hardened to that
sort of pleasantries."
A look of enlightenment, a blush, n
deep sigh, and an "Oh, I'm not Of
Tended" were the only manifestations
made by Whiskers after the exchange
EDITORS apology.
1t was inferred from his manner that
| he did not wish to make condolences or
receive jests about his love affairs.
A time came when Whiskers seemed
have something constantly on his mind.
Not content with one days vacation
each week, he would go off for periods
of three or four hours on other days.
DO you notice how queerly the old
man behaves?" said the editorial writer
to the exchange editor thereupon.
Things are coming to crisis"
what do you mean by that?"
"Why, the wedding, of course"
This inference received a show OF
confirmation shortly afterward, when
Whiskers had private interview with
the managing editor, received an order
on the cashier for all the money due
him and fer part of the managing
editors salary as a loan, and quietly
said TO the exchange editor that he
would be away for week or so. The
editorial writer happened to be at the
cashiers window when Whiskers had
his orders cashed. So when the editor
ial writer and the exchange editor COM
pared notes a few minutes later, the
latter complimented the former upon