Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-08-19
Solution.
\ ANTY rolled his popcorn wagon
a little nearer to the curb and

II n AN IOlIeu his pOPtOIh Wd6OIi
- a little nearer to the curb and
n hunched his thin shoulders
~ into worn overcoat. He
looked out upon the cherries
street with cheerful eyes. The day
was what he was wont to describe as
"abysmal dismal" 1t had been rain
ing for six hours.
A hungry-eyed newsboy shivered
up through the wet and PANTY held
out a sack, pushing back the nickel
the boy offered.
Business pretty punk for you to-
night, Billy. It'll be on me this time
The boy mumbled a Thanks,
Banty." and hurried on.
The street lamps bored into the fast
coming night making the scene look
wetter if possible than before.
Banty was just contemplating
move toward home when a bulky
form doomed at his side.
Popcorn, sir?" asked Banty.
Takes away that soppy feeling.
Makes you think of the ole swimming
hole instead
The man glanced quickly down at
the shrunken little popcorn vender,
paused while his eyes changed.
DO popcorn and swimming holes
go together" he asked.
ION night like this" returned
Banty, anything goes that has bit
of fun in it. And popcorn is fun, you
know"
Banty's face was raised in the light
from the arc and the other studied
it's bright friendliness. He spoke at
last, absently as if his mind were
not in the least on popcorn.
Lets have some"
Banty heaped up measure. The
man handed out a bill and started
to speak and Banty who knew per-
fectly what the other had in mind,
passed back the correct change before
the words were formed. The two
looked at each other in the changing
light understanding each other per-
fectly.
DO you know who I amp
Banty shook his head smiling.
Maybe it doesn't in the least mat
ter to you who 1 ann"
This matters" and Banty's fearless
spirit flashed into his clear eyes.
that you are a man in some difficulty,
not sure Of his way
The other let his establishment show
in his face.
How did you know?"
Banty's hand swept the empty
crossing.
They pass by the thousands,
through the years. You get to know.
that's all"
After a pause, he added. smiling,
But I'd like to know your name"
Roger Lowry
He nodded.
"You know my problem them"
Lowry asked.
Yes. but the way out should not be
difficult"
why not?" demanded Lowry. Then
he changed the subject abruptly.
but look here, we can't stand out
in this and talk You're wet through.
I'd like to go home with you to sup
per if you don't mind"
He watched Banty's face closely as
he spoke and its expression made him
smile with inward satisfaction.
Banty grinned obviously.
II eat popcorn most for supper
you see
Lowry nodded and suggested:
Let me get the things and you
cook them
He was hurrying toward a butcher
shop before Banty could answer.
A little later Lowry was following
Banty down an unlighted alley. They
entered q low-ceiled room and Banty
lighted kerosene lamp.
When Lowry's eyes became ac-
customed to the dimness he looked
about him. The boXlike room was
perfectly clean, its furniture, three
Kitchen chairs. a table. cook stove
and a cot in the corner covered with
bright calico. Half of one wall was
occupied by bookcase of rough
pine boards. After some study of the
titles on the shelves Lowry turned to
Banty. who was covered with a big
bingham apron and manipulating a
sizzling skillet.
Are YOU college man.?
Banty shook his head and smiled
Seventh grade was all. Dad died
and l had to take the popcorn wagon.
Then mother died and I raised the
two girls-both married now. When
| was left alone. ] saw | needed-well
-companonship. And the only thing
a man like me can haVe-a Stunted
man, YOU knows books. They're
mine. YOU see
He looked toward the shelves and
the lovelight leaped to his eyes.
Nothing can take them away"
Lowry's hand passed over the bare
threads of the Overcoat where it hung
drying on the chair back, and he
smiled meaningly at Banty.
Banty nodded merrily.
But the books are dear, you see
And clothes are-just Clothes
1t was in the middle of supper that
Lowry put his next question.
But why have you stuck to the