Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-09

NOE it had been "parlor," that huge
octagon-shaped room IN the big house
on the hill There were still strident
~ protests against Times relentless
obiterating fingers in such things as
the enormous crystal chandelier, the vari-
colored window panes, and a plaster center
piece in the middle of the ceiling
That room and house went back to 1870
But the II men who used it as sitting room
were older STILL
The afternoon session in the Oakcrest Home
for Aged Men was on
Modern stuff. they caIl it, growled old man
Peaslee who was IS come 4th Of July and tan
and gaunt with deep black eyes that sInoldered
still. They drink out of a little dinIky silver
thing-a flask. They hold half pint-or some
such minor measure
David Mowbrey, "a, nodded and q tOothless
grin split his ruddy face when was young,
sub. one Of those things would have been all
right for . chaser. But / want to say, subj
that when I went out for time carried a
couple Of quarts under the wagon seat"
Mr.. Mowbrey sighed. And here we are now
s-lke books on dusty shelf Heigh-hoi~
The others sighed with him.
we may live for years." said Mr.. Mowbrey.
TITS kind of sad-to feel you've made your
last gesture"
1.-The last gesture" repeated Mr. Peaslee.
s1That's real poetical. Too darned poetical to
suit me. feel-doggone it, feel"
He looked about him and his eyes had taken
On new light Suddenly he slapped his knee.
II just been thinkin," he began 'Thinkin'
that I'd like to have one more fling before
well, before the last real gesture as you cali It,"
Mr.. Mowbrey stared at him, startled
well, mean it" he went on "I'd just love
90 walk out of that door-and hit FER up for
one night 1t might be the last-but what
Of it2"
MR.. PEASLEE stared at it with sudden In
terest leaning forward. "say, what's that
word on the cover of that magazine?"
The reader turned it over. "Whoopee! That's
the latest"
"WhOOpee, hey? Why, I used to holler that
when was member of the finest Cavalry OUT
ut that ever rode Gen. Phil Sheridansl
Whoopee!"
The chubby figure of Mr.. Mowbrey stiffened-
and he glared at Mr.. Peaslee 1T beg your
pardon, suh Did understand you to say that
sheridan's Cavalry was the finest that ever
rode?"
you did," replied Mr.. Peaslee. with en-
phasis.
'-Then. sub, you are in grave error sheri-
cams Cavalry was fair, sub, just fair. Now.
was an honored member of the finest Cavalry
that ever rode. Gen. J. e. 5. Stuart's outllt,
sub, was the grandest. hardest-ridin'-"
Says you'll snorted Mr.. Peaslee, his Jaw
thrust out
SUM 10 you mean 10 amply
no. no." explained Mr. Peaslee Listen.
When say, Says your you say right back at
me Says mel It's the latest. heard it over
the radio"
Indeed? Well, as was sayin', sub, Gen.
Etuart's Cavalry was the grandest, hardest
xidin'-"
Says you'll" scoffed Mr.. Peaslee
"Says me, subj" shouted Mr.. Mowbrey
Mr.. Mowbrey grew reminiscent. There's
only one real way to go on any romantic adj
venture. Only one, suh."
Mr.. Peaslee grinned at him and wiggled his
bushy eyebrows. You're right On hossI"
Correct, suhl" said Mr.. Mowbrey Il can
look back now and see myself settin' out on q
big roam once owned, canterin' down the road
IN the moonlight, with the sweet odor Of tile
magnolia trees everywhere---"
Mr.. Mowbrey drew In his breath FOR once
IN your life, you've had grand idea. sub.
Wen get out Of here Saturday eyenin'-it bein'
the last celebrationai night before Armistice
day--and get us a horse and-Wheeeel"
He grinned at Mr.. Peaslee. 81 suppose YOU
can ride boss now, John?"
II was wonderin' about you, Dave. Won
derin how you were goin' to get on boss, let
alone stay on one Maybe they haven't any
stepIadder--"
'Iet me ten you, sun, that the boys of stuarts
kesss .sfsssFsaHs