The Washington times., 1931-04-10

Hank S lille dIlSllG ILlC SlA .
blue eyes had so engrossed him
with its own artistry that he
hadn't picked up the change
from his $40 bill. The open
ing of the door of the telephone
booth apprised him for the
first time that some one else
had been there.
Carl" he exclaimed. where
in ell did you drop from?"
"Oh-just popped in to say
Hello to Bright Eyes here"
grinned Carl. Then, noticing
Hanks change on the glass
counter. he reached over and
seized a bill. Loan an old
friend a five, won't you? I'll
buy you a bowl of chilli with
it,"
1T don't eat chill. Besides,
I've got to drop in and see my
grandmother. She lives down
here"
ooh, yeah?" inquired Carl.
"That's strange. So does my
Aunt Emma. Well, so long, kid"
Carl left the store, slowing
Hanks five neatly folded in
his billfold. Hank waited until
he had disappeared, then
started in the opposite direc-
ton.
The reporter sauntered along
the street until he reached
Johnny's steak house, still open
for the benefit of the early
workers at the slaughter houses.
A gaunt, Slatterly cook was
serving them. His hair was
unkempt and his chin was
black with a three days growth
of beard. Taking a stool at
the counter, Hank asked for
chilli. Then, as the cook served
him, he whispered significantly:
A Comeback
"Nope," insisted the cook,
nothing but soft drinks"
The slam of the door, an
nouncing an arrival, caused
Hank to turn. It was Carl.
what a nice long beard
your grandma's got!" he
chuckled, sliding into a seat
beside Hank. They both
grinned.
"Gimme back that five, and
I'll treat you to a bowl of
chilli" Hank offered. Then, to a
whispered query, "No-only soft
drinks.
The chilis arrived. Meanwhile
Hank remembered business in
hand.
"say," he demanded of his
rival, why the hell don't you
dig up your own storiesP"
Carl grinned. why should I,
Energetic?" he parried. "1've
got you to do it for me. When
I followed you here. I thought
it was a hot lead-nothing hot
here but the chill! Who do you
think owns that still?"
Some humanitarian" eluci-
dated Hank. Then he remem-
bered. Bring us two glasses
and some ginger ale," he in
structed the cook at the coun-
ter. From his pocket he with
drew the purloined pint from
the raid.
They raised their glasses.
mot bad GIN" said Carl.
"Well, here's } Aunt Emma'S
kidneys"
An Interruption
The toast was interrupted.
Through the rear door, Scorplo,
Metz and Johnny Franks en-
tered. Franks, who knew the
reporters from other visits,
Astarted, hesitated, as though
about to withdraw. then thought
better of it. He approached with
a bland smile.
Hello, boys" he greeted the
pair. "GlGd to see you. Any
thing you want that you don't
see?"
"Well-it's cold night" ,
limited Carl.
Sorry. I dCa't deal drop
here. Yor know that"
Sure, sure" said Hank. Carl
just thought living so near the
still, perhaps"
Johnny assumed a look of
studied indifference.
What Still?" he inquired
with artistic nonchalance.
"Well, WELL" grinned Carl.
maybe there is Santa Claus,
after ALI"
He looked at Johnny's m.
panionS, cycling Scorpio with
more than ordinary interest.
The big fellow glowered, then,
at a quick glance from Johnny.
changed the glover to cheer
full grin.
"Oh-you want to meet a
friend of mine-Louie Scorpio."
Johnny quickly continued.
"Great scout. These are a
couple Of newspaper boys.