Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-03

an apparently enviable position In
his lodge, and on the warm Demo-
polls curb with respect to chance
~ thrown cigarette stubs. But ap-
,,earances are often deceptive. Gladstone was
in NO fix to appreciate his blessings, If any.
In being elected Supreme Grand Commander Oh
the local Sons of Temperance, it was just dawn
ing upon him that he had also been elected
the goat.
Homer painfully spelling out a poster adver-
tisinr an excursion to Mobile. Latham was
neviy chosen treasurer of the same lodge, hav-
ing put on q hot campaign for the ONCE unoer
the impression that there was money In the
treasury. Now he was making Giaostones
deroQatory opinion of the fraternal honors
unanimous
IAN dem boys got Is bills!" complained
latham. sDat lodge busted wuss'n bottle
fallin' OF a high buildin' on hahd rock
"An' my white folks teilin' me Oh iodge
Amt .cawprated'" Gladstone continued nus
half of the lamentations. says us on GERS -
'sponsible TO- whut de lodge owe"
which reminded Latham OF something else
unpleasant yeah" he returned DAT nuccome
tells Samson G. Bates see you bout de rent.
..F5uccome me?" demanded Gladstone ner-
voa,slv Samson Bates collects or cr1ppies
An amt you de treas'rer?"
"Yeah but Samson say he amt got no tune
To mess wild de hired help when de rent done
two months back: he got to see de mead man
den. Lodge done tecteo you OAI.
Gladstone's feet made scrabbling motions IN
the gutter Amt no time TO- me be settan
round heah in plain sight, den," he declared
himself when Samson stahts collectan,
stahts travelin'. He too big an rough"
lust here. however, something diverting
crossed oladstone,s line of vision. Pop-eyed
peering only confirmed frst impressions. De-
scending The Hill in dust and haste came a Dle
red touring car. In its rear seat recnneo
gentleman of color and visible personal impor-
tance In the front driving him. was the ulti-
mate word in African elegance Negro
chauffeur.
"Davegone!" exclaimed Gladstone admir-
ingly. "Lemme lay down an die!"
opposite the lodge oficials the car slowed
and stopped His magnihcence leaned forward
and beckoned to them Closer view merely
produced greater awe as they sided toward
him. The visitor not only wore collar but
a tiei And his shoes were Shined. Big niger
WAS the respectful technical term for such as he.
You boys live heah?" inquired the Presence
condescendingly.
"A-a-ain't know. subj" suffered Gladstone
pat whut lowed from lookin' at you-not
nobody home much" acknowledged the new
arrival "Lookin' TO- somebody direct me TO de
cullud hotel. Whar at hit?"
Right round de cawner," volunteered La
than "Uncle Caesar, de chambermaid an
proprietor dar treat you rgnt-ano am
reasonable"
"Ne,mind de reasonable Us financiers Graves
suhvice ne'mind whut hit cost"
us runs 1ongside an shows you de hotel"
suggested Gladstone as consciousness returned
to him.
Cit inl Git in!" invited the stranger
heartily. instead. USED. to walk my own self
ridin' now Go long, Gawge! An don't run
over nobody or tells de police yo' real name,
he directed the chauffeur.
Carefully rubbing their hands on their over
alls the Supreme Grand Commander and the
treasures Treasurer removed their battered
hats and entered the royal red car, where they
endeavored to look bored.
my name Toombs-Hoace j. Toombs, from
Bumn ham," their host introduced himself.
"Is in de financial business. Finances churches,
pool-rooms, lodges
pecially the last word. Signals passed rapidly
between a couple of prominent Demopols lodge
officials In the gathering. But the car Travelled
faster than their minds. They had halted i'm
pressively before the hotel long before either
had figured out how to say what was bursting
to be said They had been looking for just
this and now the doors of hope and the hotel
were about to close upon them before they
recovered courage to talk
But Lathams belief in fairies restored
with "Sho is like you boys looks Graves see
you gain shawty."
"Us be right back" Latham found his voice.
"Jes' soon as us tends to some business. Cm
on, Gladstone; make hit snappy!"
"Whut business us got?" demanded the f1us-
tered head man. block later, after hasty
survey Of the twenty-six years of personal
vagrancy Immediately preceding the present
crowded hour