Evening Star Newspaper, November 9, 1930, Page 94

The [ast Gesture By C. . Fessier. AnArmistice Day Story of Two Old Sol- diers From ‘Another War. Jllustrated by Gladys Parker. NCE it had been a “parlor,” that huge, octagon-shaped room in the big house on the hill. There were still strident {1 gggaaii couple Mr. wlike The “We “Say, what's that word on the cover of that magazine?” when I was a member of the finest Cavalry out- fit that ever rode. Gen. Phil 's! o w ‘Whoopee ‘The chubby figure of Mr. Mowbrey stiffened— . *No, mno,” explained Mr. Peaslee. “Listen. When I say, ‘Says you!’ you say right back at me ‘Says me!’ It's the latest. I heard it over She came close to Mr. Peaslee. “I'm going to kiss you whether you like it or not!” And she did. outfit never stuck a foot in & stirrup to mount, suh! They leaped on—and came down a-ridin’, suh!” “Says you!” glowered Mr, Peaslee. “Says me, suh!” roared Mr. Mowbrey. Mr. Peaslee and Mr. Mowbrey watched the: proceedings on the chosen Saturday night with appraising eyes. Outwardly they were ready to go to bed. But if Martha had looked more carefully at her charges, she might have seen that the two of them were all dressed up under “their bath robes. The two old men watched their opportunity, then threw off their hateful robes, standing forth in their evening glory. L “Well,” saild Mr. Peaslee. “We're ready. What’s that you're gettin’, Dave?” Mr. Mowbrey was fishing in an old suit case. He dug up what he wanted after awhile, a six-_ shooter of the old days, big, and bearing marks of much handling. “John, I never travel anywhere without this old friend. And I'm not venturin’ out tonight without her. No, suh!” Mr. Peaslee dragged out an old bag from under his bed. “Then I'm goin’ heeled, too. There! Lookit that! There’s a gun. I'll bet the boys had no better against the Germans.” Mr. Mowbrey eyed it with approval. *“I know that brand, suh. A noble weapon., Strap it on, John.” ANoddp.ktheymmde. Mr. Peaslee wore a big black slouch hat and Mr. Mowbrey wore one of gray almost like it. The two adventurers went out softly. It was the first time they'd left the Home since their admittance. They locked arms and rolled down the road toward the riding stable. Mr. Mowbrey cast an appreciative eye over a roan which was rolling a mean eye. “I like that hoss,” he smiled. “He's got an eye, just like one I rode up and Aown the Shen- andoah Valley——" “Yeah. While I was a-chasin’ you,” ob- served Mr. Peaslee, “on a black like this one!” “Says you, suh!™ c-w' me!” Mr. Mowbrey did not leap into the saddle. But for all that his mounting was none the less professional. He stuck a foot in the stirrup and heaved himself up. So gdid Mr. Peaslee. They cantered out into the night, . *“By gravy,” said Mr. Peaslee after a while, suh, Gen. Stuart’s Cavalry was the grandest, hardest ridin’—" “this is livin’ again. God never meant a man to sit behind the wheel of an Otherwise why did He give him a pair of legs that just fit a hoss’ belly. G’long there, hoss!” ‘most any night. And they’re havin’ an ad- vance celebration for Armistice day.” “Let’s trot ‘em a little.” They gave their mounts a heel and away they went, coat-talls in the breeze. It was glorious. “I was in it,” snorted A A as a member of such I may say on that we would have been glad You sit a hoss mighty well, Dave. The Sugar Cookie stuck out of & big cheese box full of blazing holes. ’ scoffed Mr. Peaslee. “Says me!” shouted Mr. Mowbrey. “Very sorry, sir. . You know, since prohibl- - “Yeah. T've heard of that—but if you coul forage around and find a couple of quarts oo iy . The man bowed. “I'll see what I can do, The two sat down at their table, which was at the end of & long, somewhat narrow room. Paradise—a music, laughter, women, everything! “I"hefldthhmnmh hole,” offered Mr. Peaslee. A Dyed. “Indeed, suh! It looks real to me.” : The waiter showed’ up. He placed a big silver dish with a cover on the table. “Your order, sir.” ? Mr. Peaslee eyed him. He hadn’t ordered-- up a quart. He removed the cork out two glasses. evenin’, suh!” said Mr, Mowbrey. ® . drank. The evening was on. Mr, Peaslee took a deep breath and felt a current, which had seemed long dead, pulse through body. He glanced cas- “By George, suh!” whispered Mr." “That handsome lady smiled at you!” _Mr. Peaslee pulled at his long ” explained Mr. Peaslee. “I don't call myself old. I'm just—er—well seasoned, so te My eye, which yoit may study with has always been able to get & from a woman. It's a matter electricity.” ; “I reckon it must be,” sighed Mr. Mowbrey. “Let’s have another drink.” “I beg your pardon, suh!™ Mr. Peaslee “Well, it has"a kick.” don” mind it, but I thought it might upset your stomach.” n&y' .m. lllh !u ¥ “Says me! And let’s have another guart.” The Sugar Cookie was putting on its .