Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-11-20

"We're Pulling Out of the Financial
Pawnshop in Fine Shape"
C. Broke all records this year, and
the worlds record on top of it. Hes
husky all right all right"
Daylight nodded and went over to
him, placing his own arm in opposl'
ton.
.'I'd like to go you a flutter, son, on
that proposition" he said.
The young man laughed and locked
hands with him; and to Daylights as
constituent it was his own hand that
was forced down on the bar.
':Hold on" he muttered. Gust one
more futter. l reckon wasn't just
ready that time"
Again the hands locked 1t happen.
ed quickly. The offensive attack OF
Daylight's muscles slipped instantly
into defence, and, resisting vainly. his
hand was forced over and down: Day.
light was dazed. 1t had been no trick.
The skill was equal, or, il anything,
the superior skill had been his.
Strength, sheer strength, had done It.
He called for the drinks, and, still
dazed and bordering, held up his own
arm and looked at it as at some ne"
strange thing. He did not know THIS
arm. 1t certainly was not the arm ne
had carried around with him all the
years. The old arm? Why, it would
have been play to turn down that
young husky's. But this arnl-he con-
tinued to look at it with such dubious
perplexity as to bring roar Of laugh
ter from the young men.
This laughter aroused him. he
joined in it at first. and then his face
slowly grew grave. He leaned to-
ward the hammer-thrower.
:. "Son@ he said, "let me whisper a
secret. Get out OF here and quit
drinking before yon begin.
The young fellow flushed angrily,
but Daylight held steadily on.
You listen to your dad, and let
him say few. I'm young man my
self. only | amt. Let me tell you,
several years ago for me to turn your
hand down would have been like COM
hitting assault and battery on kin
dergarten."
-Slosson looked his incredulity, while
the others grinned and clustered
around Daylight encouragingly.
Son. I amt given to preaching.
This is the first time | ever come to
the penitent form. and you put me
there yourself-hard. I've seen a few
in my time. and | amt fastidious so
as you can notice it. But let me tell
you right now that I'm worth the devil
alone knows how many millions, ana
that I'd sure give it all. right here on
the bar. to turn down your hand
Which means I'd give the whole shoot
ing match just TO be back where was
before | quit sleeping under the stars
and come into the hen-coops of cities
10 drink cocktails and lift up my feet
and ride. Son. that's what's the matter
with me. and that's the way feel
about it. The game amt worth the
candle. You just take care Of your.
self, and roll my advice over once In
while. Good night
He turned and lurched out of the
place the moral effect of, his utter
ance largely spoiled by the fact that
he was so patiently full while he ut.
.ered it.
Still in daZc. Daylight made to his
hotel. accomplished his dinner, and
prepared for bed.
"The damned young whippersnap
per-" he mutsered. Put my hand
down easy as you please. My hand"
He held up the offending member
and regarded It with stupid wonder.
The hand that had never been beaten.
The hand that had made the Circle
City giants vince. And kid from
college, with q laugh on his face, had
put it down-twice Dede was right.
He was not the same man. The situa.
ton would bear more serious looking
into than he had ever given it. But
this was not the time. In the morn.
ing, after good sleep, he would give
1t consideration.