St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1910-10-29
Consul to Pan&o
By GERALD PRIME
Copyright. 1910, by Associated Literary Press

Inc Old man said no more, but
brought his breakfast to an abrupt
close and set out for his office. Even
before he stepped into the street he
exchanged his look of deep perplexity
for one of keen and humorous ap-
probation. This became intensified
as he covered the short distance be-
tween his house and his place of
business, and by the time he reached
the latter his smile was so expansive
that the other half of the firm of
Haight G Williams, who was the
congressman from that district,
looked up from his brief and de-
manded an accounting. The Judge
told the story from beginning to end
and found in his partner a sympa-
thetic sharer in the humor of the
situation.
Your little girls all right" he
chuckled gleefully. Hadn't you bet
ter let me get something for the
boy?"
Not on your life!"
Mr.. Williams was startled almost
couldn't recall another occasion on
which his dignifed partner had made
use of such an expression.
why, why" he stammered.
Boys all right, isn't he?"
Couldn't be better"
"All satisfactory to you, isn't it,"
Perfectly
The congressman threw his cigar
stub out of the window, tilted his
chair against the wall at an angle
that would have been precarious for
one less expert and folded his arms.
Il don't know anything better" he
said, dryly, than to quote from your
speech to Jessica. Here goes: I
am a lawyer Of average intelli-
gence-'"
Hold up!" broke in the judge.
Give me a chance to say that it's
my turn to do little trick and I
want you to help me-"
Whereupon he proceeded to unfold
a scheme which appealed so strongly
to his partners sense of humor that
he promised to cooperate in it's de-
velopment.
A few days later there came to
Adam by mail franked notice to the
effect that he had been named as
consul to Pango, and that his confirm
alton was certainty. At last
the coveted prize had been drawn.
Pango? Where was Pango? 1t didn't
worry him a little bit, because he
couldn't place it. Pango was the en-
tering wedge that assured his en-
trance into the world of diplomacy.
Being a woman, Jesslca was more
curious. Adam confessed that he had
always been regrettably lame in geo
graphy; that, for aught he knew,
Pango might be in the Antipodes,
provided 1t was not in Michigan.
Jessica secuted the idea of Michigan,
but was not so certain about the An
tipodes.
why didn't we look for it on the
map?" Adam asked with a sudden in
spiration.
With the big atlas of the world
spread open on the library table, they
began the quest of the elusive Pango.
It was by no means a disagreeable
ask, but it proved to be fruitless.
Pango eluded their combined vigi-
ance; Pago-Pago there was; and a
number of other names that might
nave been Pango, but weren't.
Eyed, but undismayed. we'll go any
way"
Perhaps your father may happen
o know" suggested Adam, lamely.
Don't ask him. Don't ask any
body. I'll manage it. Listen-let me
ell you something" she said excit-
sdly. There isn't any Pango. Papa
Ind Tom Williams are trying to
loax us. It's just as clear to me as
daylight. Papa's been too angelic
Ind happy for the fast few days to
20 natural. I've suspected some
hing all along, and now l know it.
He thinks he's got the joke on US.
Adam, you must find some way to
,utwit Haight & Williams"
only one way occurs to me-let's
20 and find Pango without consult
ng anybody. How does it strike
you, little girl?"
I'll do anything to beat those ras-
,ally lawyers" she declared, her
yoice rather tremulous and her
cheeks afame.
Two mornings later, when the
Judge sat fmpatiently at the break
asst table and wondering how it was
hat his young housekeeper had not
tut in an appearance, a note was
landed to him.
Dearest father" it ran, I'VE have
zone to Pango. Be sure to take good
are of yourself and don't drink
more than your usual two cups of
offee"
1t was signed: Your affectionate
children, Adam and Jessica Hazel
ine"