The Tomahawk., 1916-12-07

!iancy Of a mind Of most unyommo,
worth, I could not restrain deep sigl
of compassion and regret.
The Major was leaning forward il
the gathering dusk, and evidently
studying my own face, the expression
of which, at that moment, was very
grave and solemn, am sure. He sud
denly threw himself backward in his
chair, in an uncomfortable burst OF
laughter. ooh, I just can't keep it up
any longer" he exclaimed.
keep what up?" queried, in a per.
feet maze Of bewilderlnent and sur.
prise. keep what up?'' repeated.
"Why, all this twaddle, farce, trav-
esty and by-play regarding Tommy
You know I warned you, over and
over, and you mustn't blame me for
the deception. I never thought you'd
take it so in earnest!" and here the
jovial Major again went into convul-
sions Of laughter.
"But I don't understand word of
it ALL" cried, half frenzied with the
gnarl and tangle of the whole affair.
"What 'twaddle, farce and by-play,' is
it, anyhow" And in my vexation, I
found myself on my feet and striding
nervously up and down the paved
walk that joined the street with the
piazza, pausing at last and confronting
the Major almost petulantly. 'Please
explain" said, controlling my vexa-
ton with an effort.
The Major arose. "Your striding up
and down there reminds me that lit
tie stroll on the street might do us
both good" he said. "Will you wait
until get coat and hat?"
He rejoined me moment later, and
we passed through the open gate; and
saying, Lets go down this way" he
took my arm and turned into a street,
where, cooling as the dusk was, the
thick naples lining the walk seemed
to throw special shade of tranquility
upon us.
"What I meant was"-began the
Major in low serious voice,-"What
I meant was-simply this: Our friend
Tommy, though the truest Irishman
in the world, is man quite the oppo-
site every way Of the character he has
to you. All that rich
brogue Of his is assumed. Though he
was poor, as I told you, when he came
here, his native quickness, and his
resources, tact, judgment,
business qualities-all have helped
him to the equivalent Of liberal edu-
cation. His love Of the humorous and
the ridiculous is unbounded; but he
has serious moments, as we'll, and at
such times is as dignified and refined
in speech and manner as any man
you'd find in a thousand. He is good
speaker, can stir political convention
to highest excitement when he gets
fred up; and can write an article for
he press that goes spang to the spot.
He gets into a great many personal
Of rather undignified
character; but they are almost invari-
IDLY bred Of his innate interest in the
under dog and the fire and tow of |
lis impetuous nature"
My companion had paused here, and |
vas looking through some printed
lips In his pocketbook. II wanted you
o see some of the fellows articles in
rint, but I have nothing of import
nee here-only some of his 'doggerel,'
$ he calls it, and you've had sam
lie of that. But here's a bit of the
PIPER spirit Of the man-and still an
Their that you should hear him recite.
'ou can keep them both if you care
D. The boys all fell in love with that
ast one, particularly, hearing his rem
ition Of it. So we had a lot printed,
nd have two or three left. Put these
wo in your pocket and read them at
our leisure"
But 1 read them there and then, as
agerly, too, as I append them here
nd now. The first is called
SAYS HE
Whatever the weather may be-" says
he
Whatever the weather may be,
IS PLACE, If We will. an I'll say me say
upposin' today was the winterest day,
Vud the weather be changing because We
cried
r the snow be grass were We crucifed?
he best IS to make your own summer"
says he,
Whatever the weather may be-" says
he
"Whatever the weather may be-!
Whatever the weather may be-" says ,
''Whatever the weather may be,
IS the songs We sing, an the smiles ye
wear, ,
hats a-makin' the sun shine every .
where;
n the world Of gloom is a world Of glee,
I'D the bird in the bush, an the bud in
the tree,
n the fruit on the slim Of the bough,"
says he,
Whatever the weather may be-" says '
whatever the weather may be-!
the weather may be-" says q
Whatever the weather NAV he