The Washington times., 1931-12-16

at gas banquets, and I don't
mean the speakers table.
One morning it dawned on
Charlie that he wasn't growing
any younger and that he was
getting just a little tired of ban.
quets and medals and gas. He
spoke to his wife about the sit
uation and she. of course,
agreeded with him. They had
lived very economically all
their lives, and there was more
than enough for a little home
in the country and a small car.
Why not go to it?
Plans Retirement
"We're going to enjoy a bit
, of life while we still can," en-
Unused Charlie. "Yod begin to
look around for the place, and
I'll speak to the boss about it
as soon as possible. It's going
to be great, Martha" ."...
The boss, a.. energetic sort Of
guy, listened to Charles wishes
and then nodded agreeably.
Charlie" he cried, you're
welcome to anything we can
give you. You've been just
about the best worker, We ever
had, and we're not going to
forget you. I'm going to take
it up with the committee and,
while don't want to promise
anything definite, I'm going to
see if we can't retire you on
full salary. AS far as I'm con-
cerned, you deserve it."
The employee attempted to
stammer his thanks but the
boss stopped him.
Never min! the thanks" he
chirped. Its we who should
be thanking you. Just one
favor I want to ask. About
two months from today we're
opening a new plant-and we
want you present for the big
day. You can show up with
your medals, make a short
speech to the employes-and
amour. cement of your retire
ment a. that time.
"I'd like it that way. Not
only for your sake, but be-
cause the company will benefit
and so will the employees.
Good luck, Charlie"
Buys His Home
Well, Charlie bought that
little home and that little car
without waiting any longer. I
don't have to describe his state
of happiness because you can
we'll imagine it. Here, at last,
was the answer to all his
dreams. Here was the result
of the struggle through the
years. Here was the prize that
justified the work. The small
home-the little car-and the
tiny garage.
The big day arrived, and
Charlie slipped into the clothes
with the medals for the last
time. He and his wife were
going to drive to the new plant,
and Charlie would announce his
retirement. Probably the boys
had Clipped in to hand him
some surprises in addition to
his pension. It was to be a
great occasion for Charlie.
The man couldn't wait. He
had long since finished dress
ing when his wife had hardly
begun. He paced the floor ner-
vously, and then smiled at
her.
Tragic Finish
I'm going back and get the
car, Martha" he said. "You
take your time. I just want
something to do. while you're
dressing. It amt like me to
be nervcus-but it's a pretty
big day for us. I'll be outside,
dear"
Martha was just as excited
as her husband. She. too,
wanted to hurry. And just as
much as she hurried. just SO
much longer did it take her.
It was an hour before she was
through and was hurrying to
the garage to get Charlie.
This is a fine time to be
busy on a car" she muttered.
Charlie should know better"
The outside door on the gar
age had snapped. locking
Charlie inside. His wife opened
the door to chide him for his
carelessnesS. It wouldn't have
helped at all.
There was Charlie on the
floor among his medals. He
was dead from mOnOxide gas...
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