Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-30
Written for ThA Evening star.
IN HOLIDAY HuMoR.
What the Man In the Neon sav ana Heard
on the Upper Potom.c.


on the Upper Potom.c.
TNHE MAN IN THE MOON SAW MANY
Il things during his Journey through the sky
that night, but when, after passing out Of
mortal view he recounted what he had observed
on earth to his consort the woman in the moon.
who is 30 seldom seen because she prefers TO
linger on the other side, particularly during the
summer girl period. this was the only incident
he considered worth relating in detail:
His gaze had wandered rapidly and restieseiy
over that portion Of the earth'r surface lying
within the range of his vision; he had observed
the summer girls and summer men, his ever
constant devotees in many places and indulging
| in many and aried forms Of that deiectAble d.
vertisement yclept ''nirtation;" he had been
caused to blush fnwurdly) at their hatterfng
remarks concerning himself the while his Gym
| ical soul had told him that each and every one
Of them would thank him for retiring behind
cloud, and he had almost decided to do so from
sheer WEAKNESS at the monotony Of the scene
when suddenly be observed four or i've pleasure
boats filled with q merry party Of young people
pulling out from one Of the landings on the
upper Potomac. His practiced eye quickly
picked out the prettiest girl in the party, and
noticing incidentally that she was holding the
tiller ropes Of a narrow ''outrigger" rowed BY .
stalwart youth whose eyes paid her merited de-
votion he at once determined to devote his at
| tention to them.
A few quick, muscular strokes sent their boat
rapidly ahead OF the others. while heavier
pull on the starboard Oar turned its prov
sharply toward the center Of the river.
Suddenly the rocks Of the Hen and Chickens
doomed in front and the oxrsman backed
water promptly in order to escape a collision
with one OF them peculiar smile fitting across
his face informed the wstchful man in the moon
| that the event had been calculated and pre-
pared for in advance. This maneuver and the
consequent necessity Of picking his way care
fully and slowly among the rocks allowed the
other boats TO get far in advance and effectu-
ally separated them from the rest of the party.
Perhaps the oarsnan was exhausted by his
eKertions perhaps the beauty Of the moonlit
hills or the placid cleaning river or possibly
the combination OF them all with the even
more tangible enchantment Of being with so
| fair companion amidst such romantic sur
roundings caused him to inger over his strokes.
| for certainly they were now neither quick nor
muscular. Up to this time scarcely q word had
been spoken, now he let his oars rest upon the
water and bending toward his companion re-
| marked:
did you say you would 60 on the picnic to-
morrow"
! ''Nor
Evidently be didn't like her answer, for he
gave few vigorous strokes before he sid:
Are you going to say so9"
Each time the expressive monosyllable was
| spoken softly and sweetly and accom- panied by
n smile intangible and incomprehensible.
The young man frowned- Yet the man in the
! moon knew he would bear anything she nigh {
ask him TO endure for the sake of such q smile
/ She spoke again:
Can't you get some other girl To 60 with
your
"Yes, easily"
The man in the moon listened attentively, for
the conversation was becoming interesting.
The girllooked happy and non-committsl, her
| companion vexed and unhappy. Then Q look
of sudden resolve passed over his face.
This isn't fair Cora You know you ex-
pressed desire to go and so to please you ar
ranged the affair. Now you decline"
i've changed my mind
THAT is always the way. You know I only
did it for you and don't care to 60 without you
Am not entitled to some consideration
| "You shan't talk like that. There are GER
tainly plenty Of other girls II you don't like
THAT is the trouble; do-too we'll"
Then YOU shouldn't try to make me do what
1 don't like"
but you said you wished TO CO."
| "That was Monday"
Sand today is Wednesday. OF course, IL you
don't want to go can only be sorry"
Every kind Of you, I'm sure"
Rowing and silence were resumed and the
Aqueduct bridge passed before either spoke.
| "Cora. L didn't mean to be rude"
"iou were exceedingly"
perhaps; but you seem to delight in H.
treating me-"
"And you are always finding fault. Why
can't YOU let me alone and find . more agree
able girl"
There are none"
"But you must I have been considering
The reason you find go much fault 10 because
| you see too much Of me. Now. have decided
/ that will not allow You to see me oftener than
once a week-not until Friday Of next week"
rha, II ah,nt fall
"very we'll"
"a week would be Wednesday"
"Yes, but You can't come. Now. let's talk Of
something pleasant. How beautiful is the
night, and VOW tried to be ill-tempered and
spoil it all. 1t is you are cruel
The man in the moon did not consider the
balance of the conversation worth q verbatim
| report. He thought the young man was
/ inclined at first TO be sulien and disagreeable,
while his companion was radiant and sought to
change his mood Then the young mans de-
meanor changed, he beanie suddenly lively and
brilliant. When he reached the boat house he
| seemed in no hurry to land and made o wide
circuit before pulling up TO the float. The man
in the moon thought he must have some
scheme the success OF which depended upon the
| quality Of the entertainment he provided. for
| every time she laughed at one Of his sallies of
wit he smiled a self-eatisfed smile as though he
was assuring himself that he was gaining ground.
Arriving at the boa. house they were told
tnat tnelr companions naQ gone on nomeWArd.
Then they disappeared within to resppear In a
| few moments on the balcony. The man in the
moon waited and listened This il what he
heard:
Cora
swell"
you'll have to forgive me that week"
"But can't"
"But you must-I can't stand it."
"Youn be hateful again"
81 swear I won't"
"Don't swear"
"Will you?"
"What? swear?"
'Let me coms to zee you Friday, this week"
| "No"
"Please."
mo; but Tn going to see Mauds that even
ing and You might happen to be there, and II
you re very good may let you take me home"
"I'll be there-and Cora"
"What!"
"Please 20 tomorrow"
"You horrid boy, come up and II TIM not too
| tired-Iu see."
The Method In L.
From the Kansas City Star.
We were paytn' quiet game Of draw,
Muggins an me an Looney Ben.
Queerest old chap you ever saw.
| accident once, an nts since them
Straight enough. though. when his head was
| right,