Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-05-28
TWO MEN AND A GIRL.
A ~ ONE in old man; I'm de-
lighted to see you. 1t is
! an age sirce you have been
here. Why did you not
grace my last Smoker
with your august presence
~ eh2 l strongly suspect

TIE man to whom this hesrty, half
teasing welcome was addressed deliber
ately took off his cape overcoat, ,adju
his tie before the mantel mirror. and
then flung himself into the depths of a
huge lounging chair.
'Got cigar handy? be said laconic-
ally.
His host, Norman Atherton, pushed
small cedar cigar chest across the
table.
Howard Mann helped himself fastid.
iously, and got light from small or
iental taper, which sputtered fragrantly
in it's saucer of amber oil.
Then he settled back again, ,and puffed
away for few minutes in critical silence
'Oh, never mind me; just enjoy your
eelfl Make believe I'm not here if it
will add to your happiness Norman
commented.
No response.
ITS plain to be seen you did not come
to talk. Perhaps you would like me to
withdraw and let you take nap
The visitor breathed a great sigh Of
contentment.
That's good cigar he said, cycling
affectionately the golden-brown weed.
>Reallyv Norman drawled satirically
Yes said Howard, unmoved; you
know I'm not smoking any more
>Oh, indeed! then I'm to disbelieve
the evidence of my senses.'
Yes, I've sworn off haven smoked
for three weeks
'Ah that's very strong minded Of
you. l shall expect you to decline the
cup that cheers next. BY the way,won't
you have brandy and soda with me?
Thanks; don't care if do
Norman hustled around a few min
utes and then handed his guest brim-
ming glass Of the concoction.
Howard took long, deep draught
'Um,' he breathed rapturously; that
is mighty good; it taFtes 30 much bette'
to chap when he is not drinking. You
see, I've sworn off that, too
Give us your hand, ,old man 80 have l..
Have you-how jolly Let's have
anothel.'
The two friends broke into roar ol
mirth, which only died away as Nor
man rehlled the glasses.
Who's the grip he asked as he re-
seated himself
Dolly Fitzgerald
'The deucey
No indeed she's an angel
OF course she is, but why in the name
of the seven sins is she meddling about
your moralsT
From deep and affectionate interest
in my welfare, I presume, Howard re-
piled calmly.
Rubbish
Now, my dear fellow, object to your
calling me such names just because you
are jealous of my superior attractions
I assure you Miss Fitzgerald is not the
only girl who has shown tender inter
est in-yours truly
No, and you are not the only fellow
Miss Fitzgerald takes an interest in
either
What do you mean to insinuateT
'Oh, only that Dolly takes consider
able interest in me, and she has my sol.
emn promise to eschew all my bad habits
for her sweet sake
We'll, III be jiggeredv
Y guess you will, There's no use,
old man, you have no show against me.
Whats that you say? Why. when
Dolly discovers that 1 am in earnest
about swearing off she won't look al
YOU
Won't she? I'll tell her you're mol
in earnest; I'll let her know just how
many brandies -and-sodas you have in
dulged in this evening"
How brilliant of you! / fancy two
can play at that game; I'll show her your
cigar ends
And Howard grabbed smoking
stump from the ash tray.
Here. give me- that
Mot if | know myself
VII swear it is yours
>Perjure yourself if you like; she'll
not takc you word against mine
If you rouse my ire lll-lll fight
you
Have another drink with me instead.
Good idea. Here's to Dolly and oul
good resolutions