Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-10
INsTALLMENT I.

"The trouble with modern life," sais
Perky Jones, shifting his huge bull
about in the chair, lis that nothing ex.
citing ever happens"
Three grunts greeted this philo.
sophical remark. The four members OF
the Conquerors' Club were gathered ir
the living room of Bob Miller's home
engaged in the pleasant task of doine
absolutely nothing. It was one of thost
warm evenings in early Spring wher
boys long vaguely for adventure, but
when making any effort to find it is en-
tirely too much like work.
Perky looked at the other three mem.
bers of the club in disgust.
IF you fellows are too lazy even tc
talk" he complained, I'm going home
AS just said, nothing exciting ever
happens. I wish had lived in the
days of old when knights were bold and
you could fare forth on your prancine
charger and rescue maiden in dis
tress or something"
That's bunch of bunk" growled
Red Hopkins From pictures I've seen
of We old knights, don't envy them a
bit. Imagine wearing a pair Of steel
pants and riding horse with tin
b1anket!'
Eyes, and having to use can opener
to get your vest off" put in Bill Jen-
kins. Why, Perky, it would have taken
so much armor TO cover your fairness
that you'd have needed a derrick to lift
you up to the dinner table"
"Oh, you birds give me a paint" said
Porky in disgruntled voice I'm bored
stiff. Let's do something. Let's 60 out
and start fight or rob a few banks"
Why Porky!" spoke up Bob Miller,
president of the club, in knocking tone.
q hox iaf1 go,
But darned If don't feel like doing
something myself. Have any of you fell
lows any ideas?"
Evidently they had none, for after
several moments of complete silence
they were still staring blankly at each
other
well, I can offer some amusement,
but it isn't much" Bob said finally.
How about going out in dads new car
for little ride? He said could take 1t
II wanted to. but we can't go far or
wen have to buy gas. The tanks al
most empty" he said.
That's better than moping around
here" said Bill. Lets GO"
yes, but let's not buy any gas" re-
marked Perky drily as they got to their
feet. Il could buy about a half pint on
my present finances"
A few minutes later Bob had backed
his fathers new car out of the garage,
and the four boys climbed in. It was a
beautiful machine, recently purchased
by Mr.. Miller and still as shining and
bright as when it left the showroom.
We don't know where we're going,
but we're on our way" chanted Red as
Bob swung the car out into the street.
Bill settled himself comfortably into the
deep seat beside Bob, and turned to
Perky.
Personally, I think this beats being
knight Of old and riding a bony nag
with q cast iron saddle" he grinned
II guess 1t does" agreed Perky COM
placently. But I'd still like to rescue
a maiden In distress or slay dragon or
two"
Maybe Bob can run over a nice little
dragon for you," said Red sarcastically
Bob had taken road leading out
OF town, and soon the car was run
ming along the smooth white highway,
with a. slender silver of a moon hang
ing In the sky like beacon leading
them on. Bob drove slowly, and the
boys were content to draw In the balmy
Spring air through the open windows
and watch the country on either side.
The road was main highway, but
there was little traffic on it tonight.
They had ridden for several miles
before Bob broke the silence.
sim afraid we'd better turn back"
he said I'D hate to run out Of gas
ooh, let's not" protested Bill. 1--WE
got little money, and there's gas
station Just beyond the woods there.