The Coolidge examiner., 1934-06-15

each. A trench was dug and water
plped TO a fountain skIllfully fash
loned OF cement and rocks In the
center OF the plot by Zeke's own
hands.
The shade trees were trimmed
up. shrubbery thlnned 10 a respect
able density. flowers and hedges
planted where their effect would be
most beneficial.
The finished product was some
thing TO admire.
And during It's construction the
beer and light wine bin had been
rushed through congress.
The day that Il was signed /
rushed down 10 Zeke's store In a
high state OF excitement; a state
which was short-liyed.
For Zeke greeted me az the door
and the expression on his face be
trayed GUINNESS and dlsnppolnt
ment within.
Its the license" be told me
when 1 questioned him. I'VE got
to have u license TO sell beer and
the DANCED thing costs 200 bucks e.
| stared at him blankly.
II was true. We had expended
our last penny on equipment, hold
Ing out only enough funds TO pay
FOR our FIRST shipment OF beer. al
ready ordered
IL seemed like a little thing. yet
In that moment knew II meant the
difference between being able 10
open on tlme-or ever for that mat
ter.
There wasn't a soul whom we could
20 10 for funds
Zeke's creditors were pressing.
My own resources were exhausted.
II looked pretty bad
And then when II seemed we
would have 10 abandon the entire
project. Zeke came through with an
idea.
II was a brilliant Idea, quite char
acierlstlc OF Zeke whose brilliant
Ideas had helped one man or an.
other over rough spots In the days
when things were booming in Dex-
ter and a man didn't have 10 sneak
In somebody's back door to get his
drink OF beer.
AZ hrst I was skeptical, but the
more Zeke talked OF his idea the
more convinced / was that It would
work.
Had the situation been less Sc
rious would have laughed nightly
NJ this plan OF his and wagered
with anyone who wanted 10 wager
that II would not work.
Anyway we put the idea into ex-
ecution.
on the day that beer was legal
lzed we hung out the sign which
Zeke had painted and flung wide
the door.
Az FIRST folks came out OF sheer
curiosity. GrInnIng. they poked their
noses inside and looked around
II was sight OF that cory little
garden In back that brought them
all the way In.
II was uncanny.
We actually had 10 hire outside
help 10 take care OF all the custom
ers.
Zeke's old cash register kept
ringing all day and far into the
night. II was incredible that beer
and cheese and pretzels could hold
such an appeal 10 so many people
at once.
The next day the rush was great,
er. and the day following. Sunday.
we were forced to hire three extra
walters
We we're OF to a running start.
and 1t looked as II we were go
Ing 10 keep running.
Things were moving smoothly
week later when quite unexpected
Iy. a government agent came In and
asked TO see our license.
Zeke wInked broadly In my direc-
tlon and produced the requested
document.
The agent ran hawk-like eyes
over the written words and looked
at Zeke sharply.
This license was issued two days
ago. You've been selling beer more
than a week :"
sure" said Zeke, while / held
my breath, that's right We wait
ed TIL we'd taken In enough money
to buy US a license. and we bought
one"
Admit Il, Ell? Well, get your
coat. mister, you're coming with
me-"
wait a minute" says Zeke.
THAT there license is for 80. Up
till two days ago I ain't sold mug
Of 81"
The agent stared.
You're nuts You got a sign out
there says beer and folks have
been coming here for a week"
Sure" Zeke agreed. they been
coming here. But they aIn't been