Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-12
AROUND THE CITY

A squirrel was performing circus tricks
on the White House lawn for the benefit of
couple OF passersby, who were watching
1t from the avenue side OF the ratings. It
had capered over the grass. darted up and
down the boles OF the old elms, sat back
sedately on its launches to nibble at its
paws, and finally. by way Of change of
program, leaped over to nearby robin.
that was pecking leisurely at something In
the grass.
And that's where the squirrel made his
mistake.
The robin, a big fellow, with fearless
eyes. stopped long enough to ruffie its
feathers and look the squirrel over, and
then returned to its pecking. Instead of
profiting by the glance, the squirrel ex-
tended q paw over the dead line and the
robin got to work. His wings flashed out
like a fan, and with cluttering jump he
had landed on the squirrels back, and the
enemy was his. For about two seconds the
squirrel spun around like a dervish in a
wild west show but the robin stuck. Then
the squirrel made a break for the tree.
The instant he touched the bark the war
was over. The robin few back to its peck
ing and its feathers settled down.
The squirrel had learned valuable les
son. He did not again interfere.
A woman and a small boy were allowed
ton with another woman who was about to
take a car. The train had just pulled in
and there was time enough for the woman
with the suit case to have remained several
minutes on the platform with her compan-
ions. Instead of that. she hoped aboard.
fused with window until a man raised
1t for her. and then beamed downward
with the self-satisfaction characteristic of
travellers whose journeyingS are few and
far between.
BE sure and write as soon as you get
there" called up the woman who was stay
Ing behind.
were going along, FreddieT'
Freddie looked up. became suddenly
abashed for no apparent reason. and back
ed into the folds Of the elder woman's
share his embarrassment. for her voice had
a strained streak In 1t, as she answered for
tho, indeed. He would rather stay here
with grandma. Wei. give my love to 'em
all, and be sure and write when you get
there
why. of course will. And don't you
forget to write, either, ma"
Ma" looked up, but let her glance slide
from the woman at the window to the cars
along the track. The daughter. too, began
to gaze Off at nothing in. particular. and
there was halt in her vivacity as she call
take good care Of yourself, ma Don't
get sick. If you do let me know. and I'll
come right back"
Don't you get sick, either, Emmie." ad-
monished the elder woman. With visible
effort at appearing solicitors. Have
good time and write to me when you for
GET
She seemed to realize she was repeating
herself, and stopped short to stare at a
stylish girl in white who herself looked en-
barrassed. as she smiled at the young man
In the car who had raised Emmie's window.
''Say, ma" called Emmie, plainly deter
mined to regain her spontaneousness. BE
sure and remember what tod YOU"
what was It? I forget" answered ma,
with an equally brave attempt at natural
ness.
Emmie must have made her remark be-
cause she could think OF nothing else to
say, for she giggled nervously and made
an elaborate pretense at looking shy.
"Oh. never mind"
Then INA" skewered up her forehead as
II to recall her daughters Instructions, and
ended with,a wise nod.
.'Oh, know now what you mean. All
right, TIL attend to It."
Both laughed--probably at each other.
Freddie, having found It impossible to
keep up his end OF the situation. hxed his
attention on Q truckman who was wheeling
: pyramid Of trunks. The two women stared