Evening star., 1923-01-21

been and people he had seen: talked
intimately of world famous battles.
historic gatherings and the men and
women who make history. He told
her then of the manner Of his fall
But you're not drinking nowr'
she said excitedly.
NO." said Joe. II seem to have
got II out of my system while I was
lying in bed here. waiting for them
bones to heal. + haven't got any
yen for 1t any moro at ALL"
"Then, why don't you go back?"
the girl cried. "Oh. you must! To
think Of a man like you. that's done
the things you have, sitting hero in a
poky little hole like this, clerking In
q storer'
Joe sighed. I'm afraid I've lost
out" he said regretfully. II got a
pretty bad name before was
through with 1t. I fell down on a
lot Of assignments along toward the
finish. In the newspaper game they
don't want guy that can't be trust
ed. I don't know II could hook on
again with the reputation got
now
But you must" the girl insisted
tearfuily. You musti'
Joe laughed and patted her shou1-
der. You're a funny little hick." he
repeated with a note Of approval In
his tone. You amt bad little gal
at that"
The next day Joe found himself the
target for the town wits. Mr.. Potter
had talked. One after another the
rural testers came into the grocery
store and did their comic stuff.
And then one morning came the
word that the Presidents special
would stop for five minutes at Miller
town on its way through and the
President himself would say a word
to tho people.
We'll. joe" said Mr.. Potter. COM
ing into Brubaker's store, 'T sec your
old friend the Presidents goin' to be
in town this afternoon. I s'pose you'll
go down to the station and have q
nice little talk with him."
IT don't suppose any Of the rest OF
us will have much Of q chance with
Joe there" Henry Stonington, the
local banker. put in.
I, will you introduce me to him?" an
other called. And then the storm of
ridicule broke around Joe's head
afresh.
All the stores in town closed their
doors as the time for the specials ar
rival drew near. and when Brubaker
shut up his place Joe walked on alone
toward the Potter residence. while
the crowd in the streets called jibes
after him.
When he reached home Jennie Pot
ter met him at the door, "Ain't you
going?' she demanded.
"Nor' said Joe. disgustedly. what
do care what they think?"
"well, care" Jennie declared. "I
been standin' up for you an tellin'
'em you wasn't a liar, an they been
Iaughin' at me about It. You told 'em
you knew tho President. II you'd go
down an meet him. they'd know you
weren't lyin'."
Sure, 1 know him." said Joe, wear
AV. 4N0 tWOA hio piStuE0 u euou-
sand times. but SOS a thousand other
guys. What do you think? He's go-
ing to come down of the train an.
kiss me just because I used to take
pictures OF him? Have sense!'
"Itll make me out fool If you
don't 60" she said. beginning to cry.
az don't care 50 much about that,
either, but want these people that
been maxim fun Of you to know that
you been tellin' the truth"
"All right" said Joe, impatiently.
Don't bawl! I'll so. But don't be
silly. said knew the President.
and I do; but I'm nothin' TO him. He
probably don't even remember my
tace."
Thsk's where Joe wAs wrong: HIS
face, many times seen. was not