Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-26
BY EARL DERR BIGGERS

a suppose you want to know why I'm here" the
Mayor went on well, he hestated, "its like this
Dear Mr.. Cargan," Magee broke in, spare US, [
pray! And spare yourself. We have had explanations
until weary. We have decided to drop them
altogether and just to take it for granted that in the
words of the song, we're here because we re here.
"Al right, replied Cargan, evidently relieved. THAT
suits me. I'm tired explaining anyhow. There's
bunch of reforners rose up lately in Reuton- maybe
you've heard about EN-. A lovely bunch,-a white
necktie and half portion of brains apiece. They say
they're going to do for me at the next election
Max laughed harshy from the vicinity of his soup.
"They wrote the first jokebook them people, he said
"Well," went Cargan, "there amt nobody in
significant and pfling that people won't listen to em
when they attack in public life. So I've had to
reply to this comic opera bunch and as say I'm about
out explaining I've had to explain that never
stole the town used to live in in Indiana and that
So I'm much obliged to you for passing the expa
nations up. We won't bother you long. me and Lou
got little business here and then we'll mosey along
Well clear about nine o'clock
"No!" protested Magee. $50 soon? We must make
it pleasant for you while you stay. always dislike
hosts who talk about their servants. have friend
who boes death because he has Japanese butler
he believes was at Mukden. But think am justified
in calling your attention to Peters, the Her
NIT of Baldpate Mountain Cooking is merely his
cation. He is writing book
THAT guy" remarked Cargan, increduous.
What do you know about that asked Bland. at
certainly will get lot of hot advertising it APP
pears. It's to prove that all the trouble in the
world has been caused by women.
The Mayor considered. Hes off-he's nutty, that
trouble
"Thank you Mr. Cargan said Miss Norton smiling.
"Anybody'd know it to look at you, Miss replied
the Mayor in his most gallant Then he added
hastily, "And you Ma am, with nod in the other
woman direction.
"tdon't know as got the evidence in my face re-
sponded Mrs. Norton easily; "but women don't make
trouble, know that. l think the mans crazy my
self and I'd tell him if he wasn't the cook
She paused for Peters had entered the room. There
silence while he changed the courses.
you can king" she Finished after the hermit had
retired.
AHEM-Mr. Cargan," put in Professor Bolton, "you
give it your opinion that woman is no trouble
maker and must admit that agree with your premise
in general; although occasionally she may cause IA
slight annoyance. Undeniably there is lot of trouble
in the world To whose efforts do you ascribe it9"
The Mayor ran his thick fingers through his hair Il
got you" he said, "and | got your answer too Who
makes the trouble? Who's made it from the beginning
of time? The reformers, Doc. Yes, Sir. Who the
first reformer? The snake in the garden of Eden This
hermit guy probably has that affair laid down at womans
door. Not much Everything running all right
around the garden and then the snake along It's
20 to shot he'd just finished series of articles on
The Shame of Eden for a magazine. What dye
mean, he says to the woman, by letting well enough
alone? Things all wrong here The present admin
stration is running everything into the ground.
tell you few things that will open your eyes. What's
that? What you don't know won't hurt you? The old
cry he says the old against which progressves got
to fight he saws Wake up You need a change here
Try this nice red apple and you things the way
do And the woman fell for it. You know what hap
pened"
IAN original point of view, said the dazed professor
Eyes Doc" went on Cargan, evidently favorite
topic cts the reormers that have caused all the trou
ble from that snake down. Things running smooth,
folks prosperous and satisedthen they along
in their gumshoes and white necktes. And they knock
at the existing order until the public begins to be-
eve EN- and gives EN- chance to things. What's
the result? The worlds in a tangle than be-
fore"
"You feel deeply on the subject Mr.. Cargan,' re-