Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-27


haired boy the whose advice is always looked up
"Oh,' said he, "thats Mr.. Drew
"He's the boss, eh?'
Il suppose you'd call him boss. He's been coun-
clor and Mayor and held good many other Offices
Now he just sits back and looks on; but notice that
if anything big up he always speaks out in meet
ing, and what he says is pretty sure to 60"
The barkeep hesitated. II guess So" said he.
"You seem to guess COMPOUNDED doubtful persisted
ooh, we'll one hears all sorts OF stores But you cant
believe everything you hear"
Later l sounded two casual acquaintance
whom l met in the lobby, and cleaned sufficient lnfor
nation to make me feel morally certain that ms Honor
the exMayor of the approachable sort. went to
bed in pretty good frame of mind and the first thing
in the morning hunted him up at his place of business
prosperous looking grocery store
FOUND him to be short, thickset, gnzzled man of
perhaps sixty. He bore himself with air of con-
fanced detected in his eye strengthened my belief
that if there any money in sight he would be on
hand to get it. There nobody else in the store; SO
could speak as frankly as chose.
Still, had notion of running the risk of spelling
things by going at him in what's your price manner
and therefore merely explained the purpose of my pres
in his town, dated the merits of sidewalk
material, and delicately limited that he would have
nothing to regret he could his way clear to using
his influence in favor
1t then up to him to say something, and with as
sumed indifference | listened ntently in the hope OF
catching if only from the tones of his voice. hint that
might justify me in open offer. All he said was:
am very glad you dropped in, and I'll think over
what you've told me- don't suppose there's anything
you'd like to buy this morning.
$50, so' thought l. That's your game is it?' Aloud
replied looking round the store what have you got!
Those apples look fairly good to me-
airy one" he suggested.
l did so, and at waXed enthusiastic. why"
cried, IL haven't tasted apples like those since was
boy! l must take some along with me. You might
measure me out a quart"
AS he handed me the apples, passed him banknote,
saying, a guess that' be about right"
"But, he gasped, looking at it. this is ftydollar
BILL"
4Sure" said @and not penny too much for apples
like those. Maybe after you folks have decided the
sidewalk matter I'll be in for more at the same
price,"
TLEFT him. and returned to the hotel feeling at peace
ward, though when sitting in the lobby killing
cigar, that noticed two come in, give queer
look and then slip and say something to the clerk
who his turn looked at oddly. Then another man
entered stared me- and passed hurredy into the bar
Wondering what up, and, must confess, feeling
a bit shaky, to the bar myself five minutes later
to get nip of whisky. The place was empty except
for the JOY dispenser who gave nod OF recognition
and smile in which, imagined there mixture
of amusement and ALARM
sernly.
"Why," said he, cts something told me just
now. But it's absurd don't take any stock in it..
Seems to have bit to do with my humble person
atty commented.
at certainly has," he answered, SOLDERING. @and,
Stranger, I'll tell you what it is if you'll promise not
to get mad Did you call on Mr.. Drew this morning."
dyes" said Il did"
well, he's giving it out that you are plumb crazy.