New-York tribune., 1919-02-16

was asleep. The rhythmic creak
of the rocker was still; his black
slouch was tilted over his face at a rakish
angle; his pipe had fallen from his mouth
and lay in his lap upturned.
Auntie sat opposite him with a white
shawl over her shoulders and looking across
the street, where Dick was pushing the
mower over a broad smooth lawn. There
was no sound save an occasional chirp or
warble from summer bird, and the drowsy
buzz of the machine. faint smell of
burning cloth stole over the peaceful air
Aunte shifted and turned inquiringly.
Suddenly Gramp awoke with terrific yell
Like a boy of fifteen he bounded into the
air brushing frantically at his lap where
smouldered the Goals of his pipe.
Auntie sprang to his assistance without
the least idea, however, of what she was
going to do, but before she could reach him
he had smothered the flames and had sunk
back in his chair ruefully contemplating
q hole in his somewhat base and prehis-
toric trousers.
"By Godfrey, Sarah, that was the closest
shave from complete cremation l ever had
since Charles Taylor put gunpowder in my
pipe, and suspected it and loaded up a
cigar for him. That was the last cigar
Taylor smoked for long time. He didn't
wear any eyebrows either for long while.
He lost some hair, too, if my memory is
not at fault continued Gramp reminis-
Gently.
THAT was a shame, George" said Auntie,
severely, as her mouth worked in her efforts
to suppress a smile
Curious, that's just what Taylor said
at the time" said Gramp reHectively 'I
believe he was even stronger in his state
ments. and said something about being
able to lick some at the time.
But about those trousers, Sarah. that's
a shame. Don't seem as if l could part
with those trousers anyhow. I've seemed
to sort Of grow into those trousers, until
they have become part of me-"
Goodness knows you've worn them long
enough" said Aunte
Reminds me of old Eb Peaslee and his
stovepipe hat. You remember Eb, Sarah
Well Eb had a stovepipe hat that he had
worn for over fifty years, to church. and
funerals, and weddings, only he didn't 60
cost something, and Eb was uncommonly
tight in money matters. Well one night
Eb going to church when bat flew
by his head two three times. and in self
defence Eb made a crack at it with his
old stovepipe and the crown of the old plug
flew right away, leaving the brim in Ebs
hand
Holy Zion' said Eb being religious
cuss, you can't get any hats nowadays thar
have any in them SO that's the way
I feel about these trousers"
anyway you will have to get new pair
now, George" said Auntie. q do wish you
would dress better"
"Wel, sister" said Gramp, confidently,
II always respected modesty in clothes as
we'll as in manners, and more than any
thing have tried to instil into my grand
ideas of prudence, frugality and mod
esty in manners, morals and dress See
how we'll I have succeeded" he continued
as Dick approached to find out the cause of
his grandfather's unusual vocal gifts and
gymnastic feats.
"Whatcher doin' tn hanspring n the war
whoop for Gramp?" queries that astonished
youth.
"Well, Dickie," said Gramp, with ar in
jured look, for a long time your aunt has
been acting very queery and a few moments
ago, whenI was sleeping, she empted hot
Goals from my pipe on brand new pair Of
trousers and spoiled them
George Shute." gasped Auntie