Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1903-10-23
He Believed
in Signs

w standing still and gazing at the
front door of house he was passing.
Come, dear" said Mrs. Thompkins.
nervously. 1--WE shall be late"
why don't people try to be sensible
not coherent" went on Mr.. Thomp-
Ains, gazing steadfastly at the door.
What is the natter" asked Mrs.
Thompkins.
Look at that sign above the bell"
said Mr.. Thompkirs, pointing males
:ically.
Mrs. Thompkins looked. There was
small brass plate above the electrical
button at one side Of the door. The
plate said:
Ring the bell"
WELL said Mrs. Thompkins.
"Wen?"
We'll" repeated her Hege. tMerciful
heavens, woman. are you, too, utterly.
devoid of brains?"
moo. I think not" replied Mrs
Thompkins, doubtfully. "Still, don't
see what you are objecting to-"
Remain here" said Mr.. Thompkins.
ut is no use to waste explanations upon
you. I will show you, If you will but
listen to what I object. And I COM
mence forthwith with a crusade I have
long contemplated
Mr. Thompkins moved majestically up
the steps of the house and proceeded to
ring the bell again and again. A house
maid came to the door and asked what
he wanted. Mr.. Thompkins paid no at
tentfon to her and continued to ring the
bell. The housemaid disappeared and
returned with her mistress.
What do you want?" demanded the
woman.
Nothing" said Mr. Thompkins, ard
he again jingled the bell.
"Why are you standing there ringing
my bell?" asked the woman, looking
down the street to see if there were any
policemen near by who could take the
lunatic in charge.
81 am ringing the bell" said Mr.
Thompkins. because the little brass sign
above the bell commands me to- was
passing the house and l saw the words
| here, Ring the bell Although it is
causing me good deal CT inconvenience,
obey" And Mr.. Thompkins continued
to push the button.
But" said the woman in a tone of
voice which plainly showed she was fol-
lowing the injunction to always humor
see anyone in my household why do you
stand there and ring the bell?"
"And why, if do not wish to see any
one in your household" said Mr. Thomp-
kins, should brass sign be displayed
commanding me to ring the belI?"
"You are not commanded to ring my
| bell"
1.-The brass sign, madam, says: Ring
the bell The phrase is apparently ad-
dressed to all who pass this way. II
| you wish to command only those who
have business at this house to ring the
| bell then change the phraseology Of the
| sign and do not leave it so worded that
1t appeals as command to ali who
| pass this way"
| 81 wish my husband were home
snapped the woman. 'He would kick
| you of those steps"
THAT depends" returned Mr.. Thomp-
| kins, politely. Anyhow, / have ex-
| planned this matter to you, and il you
| do not institute reform the fault is
| not mine. Good day.
idiot" Kissed the woman.
Mr.and Mrs. Thompkins resumed their
| walk downtown. Mrs Thompkins had
! gloomy forebodings. She saw that hel
liege had started out to institute a re-
| form and he would not rest until be
encountered disaster.
| They entered an art store, where Mrs
IiThompkins wished to look at some pic
sture framed The next she heard from
| Mr.. Thomptsins he was standing 10 front
sof the cashiers desk.
\