Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-11-16
rather a terror of your profession. es-
pecially when they come from the
Charley Brown grinned at him.

terpOsed. Charlie doesn't mean all he
says
Fathers only spoofng YOU" Georgy
assured the reporter.
"Spoofng? Spoofngf" Mr.. Brown
repeated in a somewhat bewildered
fashion. He had met many words.
during his short stay in London. that
he had never before encountered in
the English language
But his quick mind was not long at
fault. "Oh, sure. kidding that's it.
But Sir George, 1 don't blame
you. We Go butt in a good deal into
things that don't actually concern US
or the public, but I happen to belong
to a newspaper where it isn't a crime
for one Of its STAFF to act like a gen
tleman; SO don't think I'm making
mental notes or that you have to put
the brakes CT. If you skid, it's just
a private tea party, and that ends it."
You greatly relieve me- Sir George
Wagstaff said, smiling. But III try
not to-skid-as you put it"
"Then that's all right the Ameri-
can declared.
And, speaking of tea, won't you
have sOme?" Ethel asked him.
You bet I will!' he responded in
his Yankee vernaCular. And he stepped
quickly to the table behind which she
sat ITS a great habit. tea" he di-
lated, as he took the cup from her
I'm going to introduce it at the
KnickerbOcker bar when 1 get back
It's got cocktails skinned a mile'' he
said fervently.
"Old man, what are you doing over
here?' Guy inquired.
ooh. Just shopping around! The
paper thought they needed a change
in their London news, and I knew
needed one, so l came over"
ut must be very interesting work, ="
Ethel WilIoughby observed. She was
more than interested in Guys quaint
friend. His sort was new to her And
though his breeziness might not have
been considered quite good form in an
EngIishman, it was a quality which
the British find both refreshing and
entertaining in an American.
1T is interesting" Charlie Brown
told her. But you sound as if you
We're going to interview me; and for
the love Of Mike-don'tr'
"Who is AIike?" Sir George inquired
innocentIy, in his endeavor to grasp
the intricacies of Mr.. Browns CONVEX
satiOn.
ooh, he's an Irishman we Americans
swear by" the newspaper man replied
Fancy that! How oddH' Mrs. FaI-
coner exclaimed. She did not know
that Mr.. Brown Was-spOOfing-
"Since you're newspaper man you
must know everything" said Georgy
Wagstaff. She quite fancied the
stranger; and she wanted to know
him better.
well, at least l try to convince my
editor of that" he replied.
Then tell us about the war! We're
very ignorant We only read the head
lines" she said. Father won't talk
It'd be a breach something or
other"
DO tell US your opinion, Mr. Brown
Ethel urged. We're all so very in
terested."
4 suppose I can talk where Sir
George can't-and | do love to talk, :"
Brown admitted. No one knew his
pet failing any better than himself
silent CharIe-that's what they
cali himr Guy informed the others de
IightedIy.
You don't mind, Sir George?" The
American turned inquiringly to Sir
George Wagstaff.
NATURALLY mott" the older man as
scented good-naturedly. LAS you said,
this is only a private tea party"
sThen please dor Georgy insisted.
eff you don't. Guy will"' She dearly
loved to rag her devoted admirer,
"Awayr Brown detained in mock
satisfaction at being able to scatter
his opinions broadcast. well, I'll tell
you. While most Of you Londoners
have been wondering whether the
Irish are going to start a civil war, or
whether Gunb0at Smith did foul Car
pentier, I've been digging up some in
side dope, and, believe me, there's go
ing to be a merry old bust-up. Rus
STA, I know, is mObilizing; and so is
Germany"
But can Russia. with her internal
conditions, afford to fght?' Streetman
asked him.
81 don't know whether she can at
ford TO or not" Charlie Brown said
But I believe she is going to-"
Il take it you are not particularly
informed on Russia" STeetman re
torted, somewhat acidly.
"Oh, yes l am" the undaunted Yam
| kee replied 81 know it's awfulIy cold
there, and that they drink vodka, and
have revolutions, and send their pris
oners to Siberia, and apart from thai
I'm pretty darned sure Russia's going
to fight" Words habitually flowed
from Charlie Browns mouth without
| the slightest effort. 1t is so will
bores. But Mr. Brown was far from
being a bore. What saved him was
the fact that he always said something
we'll worth listening to.
Guy FaIcOner did not allow the con
vers8tion to interrupt his ministry tx
the inner man. He stepped up to Eth
els table and took a sandwich off {
/ plate. But before he RECALLED himself
with it he paused long enough to say
You know, l think Charles right.
i