Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-07-11

an arm AROUND Faul . siiool-
Want you to do a little
grooming for the folks, Of kid" his
host said. He bowed to Ina, his
white teeth flashing alphabetically I'M
der his mustache We'll bring him
right back" he assured her.
Paul, usually reluctant to sing at
parties, was now in expansive mood.
Marble for the people? Sure! Glad
to- Absolutely.
He stood in the center of the floor
and sang. Whitney stunning a IKE
at his side. The floor swayed gently
and the listeners were blur, but his
voice was clear and his rhythm I'M
consciously perfect. When he finally
was allowed to stop, appreciation pour
ed upon him from all sides.
Ina was still talking to Bud and
Jessie when he returned.
Dry again" he said. holding a
glass out to Bud Floors dusty" he
explained.
Bud made no move to fill the glass
paul" he said, you're gettin' drunk
You and Ina go hunt up Mrs. st. G.
Because we're going home shortly"
mol Can't go home yet. Cote
see Puny. sWanta tell him about some
wisecracks he's been maxim"
Bud shook his head. His mouth
looked firm. You're going home" he
replied
Paul smiled good-humoredly, pa
tientlv. Mus have misunderstood
me-" he explained to the others, with
alcoholic gravity. Impossible to leave
Just now. Sorry"
Ina stepped close to him, her eyes
suddenly grave. Honey" she said
softly. Its late Hadn't we better
find Mr.. and Mrs. st. George and
then go. You can see Puny tomor-
row"
He looked at her and appeared to
consider vain struggle for conference
plainly visible in his face. He tugged
uncertainty at his collar.
Hate to diSpoint you, Babe" he
answered, gently. Feel terrible about
it. But I really mus c-confer with
Puny. Only a little tech-technicality,
Honey, jus little technically"
She regarded him steadily, her ex-
preston curious, her eyebrows per-
turbed line. Bud came from behind
the cart. determined light in his
gray eyes. Let's get goin', Paul." he
said quietly.
Jessie. who had been leaning against
the wall an intent spectator of the
little tableau, came forward suddenly
Better run along, Hot-Shot," she
advised "Puny's in no condition to
talk about technicalities. He's in the
buffers pantry, tight as boiled owl,
and"
Who's boiled owl?"
They turned. Puny confronted
them, short legs planted firmly apart,
his face red, ludicrous, inquiring ex-
preston diStorting his round features.
Paul walked up to him, Bud follow
ing grimly. Several of the other guests
gathered around, their faces expec-
tant. Paul surveyed the unsteady
Puny appraisingly. The circle OF
watchers grew, expecting some fun.
Wanna talk to you Fatso," began
Paul. Wanna"
Wanna talk t. me, didja? Sorry
I'm out jus now. You can talk to
me. though"
"Well-guess thatll be all right.
Won't take much of your time"
'Well-c-n give you fi-minutes, ]
guess. State y business"
Bud pulled at Paul's arm. Come
on, Paul." he ordered. You don't
want to see this guy"
Puny leered up at the interrupter
He coughed apologetically. Don't
believe 1 know you," he remarked
Friend of yours?" he inquired of
Paul.
Bud jerked at Paul savagely. Come
on, Paul." he repeated.
Paul, spun half around by the pull
en- his arm, suddenly saw the white
face of Ina behind him, and the en-
treaty in her blue eyes, dark with
incomprehension, seemed to check his
headlong faculties He smiled ten
derby at the tremulous-lipped girl.
Sorry, sugar." he told her Handle
this h-nicality-then we'll CO."
The onlookerS, set to view the
usual drunken wrangle between Paul
and his rotund chum, a laughable
war of words which had become a
headline act at every party they at
tended, stirred amazedly, sensing in
Buds interference something more
than the accustomed exchange of in
suits. Most of them knew the attitude
of Puny toward his friends connubiaI
venture, and they crowded closer
eagerly awaiting developments. The
room quoted swiftly, orinously.
The Interruptions seemed to inten-
sify the flame Of disapprobation that
burned within Puny's ample bosom.
Swaying forward, he grasped Paul's
sleeve.
well, neighbor," he rejoined, AFRO
gantly, wanted t. see me. didn'tja
Now lesh hear what y got to say!"
His insistent touch on Paul,s wrist
brought the latters belligerent urge
again to the fore. He shook the hand
off roughly.
Take " hand off" he retorted