The Washington times., 1931-12-07
CHAPTER 40


In the morning the bridal
pair drive to the church in a
black-lacquered coach bedecked
in white Silk-four-in-hand, OF
course, as is only proper for a
union that owes it's origin to
horses. Willy and Kosole have
been chosen as witnesses. For
such a festive occasion Willy
has bought himself a pair OF
white gloves made Of pure cot
ton. That cost us a great deal
Of trouble. Karl had first to
get for US half a dozen orders
to purchase, and then for two
whole days the search contin-
ued; nowhere did they stock
WHY'S size. But it was worth
all the trouble. The chalk.white
sacks that he finally settled on
60 marvelously with his newly
dyed swallowtail. Tjaden has
on a frock coat and Mariechen
is in a wedding dress, all COM
plete with veil and orange bios
SONS.
Shortly before their departure
for the registry office there is
a slight mishap. Kosole arrives,
sees Tjaden in his frock coat,
and has an attack of hysteria.
No sooner has he more or less
recovered himself, than he will
glance again in the direction
where Tjaden's fly-away ears
are cleaning over his stand-up
collar, and the trouble starts
all over again. There is no
help for the would be sure
to break down again in the
middle Of the church and en-
danger the whole ceremony
so at the last moment I am
obliged to take his place as
best man.
OF course there is not a shred
of horse flesh served at the we'd
ding breakfast. Nothing but
best quality pork is Stean1ing in
the dishes and before us stands
an enormous joint Of roast veal
ready carved.
All for Comfort
After the veal Tjaden removes
his frock coat and takes off his
collar. This enables Kosole to
go to work in more comfort, for
until now he has not dared let
his gaze wander without rum
ming the risk of bringing on a
choking fit. We all follow
Tjaden's example and things be-
gin to be comfortable.
During the afternoon his
father-in-law reads a document,
making Tjaden a partner in the
butchering business. We all con-
gratulate him and then Willy in
his white gloves solemnly bears
in our wedding present. brass
tray with a set of IL cut-crystal
schnapps glasses. Also three
bottles of cognac from Karls
stock. The father-in-law is so
touched by it that he offers
Willy a position as manager of
a chophouse he is proposing to
open during the next few weeks
somewhere or other. Willy
agrees to think over the matter.
Ludwig also looks in for a mo-
ment during the course of the
evening. At Tjaden'S special re-
quest, he comes in uniform, for
Tjaden is anxious to show his
people that he had real lieu
tenant for his friend at the
front. He soon goes again, but
the rest Of us stay until nothing
is left on the table but bare
bones and empty bottles.
It was midnight when we turn
out at last into the street. AL
bert makes the suggestion that
we now go to the Cafe Grager.
That's all shut down long
since" says Willy.
I'VE can get in around the
back" persists Albert. Karl
knows how"
We none of us have any real
desire to go now, but Albert in
SiStS so long that at last we give
in. 1t surprises me rather, be-
cause usually Albert is the first
to want to go home.
All Is Quiet
Although the front Of the
Cafe Grager is all quiet and in
darkness, when we cross the
courtyard at the back we find
everything there still in full
swing. Grager'S is the profiteers'
haunt, and everyday business
goes on there into the small
hours Of the morning. One part
Of the room is made up of little
cubicleS with red velvet curtains.
That is the wine department.
Most Of the curtains are drawn.
SquealS and laughter issue from
behind them.
We find seats for ourselves
well to the front. The cafe is
chock full.
At every table there is an ex.
cited back and forth of mum.
blings, whispers, asideS and con-
fused din. Fellows wearing
English-made suits and new hats
are led aside into corners by
others in swallowtails and no
collars, with an air of secrecy,
packets and samples are brought
out Of side pockets, examined,
handed back, proffered again;
notebooks appear, pencils are in
motion; every now and then
somebody will get up and go off
to the telephone, or outside;
and the air is humming with
talk Of truckloads, Of tons, of
butter. herrings, bacon. flasks,