Judge — January 21, 1922 — page 33: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Optimist (to R. R. conductor)—Well, you to the crossing. The Fascination of Mr. Plotz By Hartley H. Hepler Wert first attracted my attention to Mr. Plotz, aside from his name, was the air of deference with which he was invariably treated by his fellow citizens. Yet there was nothing particularly impressive in his appearance or man- | ner. A round and rather impassive face, with a small, closely-trimmed moustache, a figure short, and-inclined to be stout, and a manner of speaking which indicated a Teutonic origin. My business in the little city had brought me into contact with most of the local dignitaries. I had met the presidents and cashiers of the local banks, the members of the clerical and legal professions, and practically all the others with any claim to distinction including the town drunkard and the oldest citizen, but to none of them was accorded the respectful attention which greeted the quiet little man every place he went. His entrance into any group was the signal for an immediate cessation of | conversation, and his lightest remark, when there was any evidence that he | intended it to be humorous, was greeted with roars of flattering laugh- a PISO'S Safe & Sane For Coughs and Colds Insist on it | by name This syrup ts different from all others Pleasant —gives quick relief. Contains no opiates—good for young and old 35¢ per bottle everywhere he SUPREME REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. SILKS /or MENS SHIRTS silh, addi ing uinction that anyhow, I beat ter. On the other hand, no serious _ state- ment coming from him was too bizarre or absurd to fail of a reverential reception. In spite of all this, he bore his honors with winning mod - esty. Here, thought I, must be a IRE OURT alesmen know the value of the shirt of to comfort the touch of dis makes a business asset out of an everyday necessity~ Dut its silk must be one of the ra mpire Loomer aft Silks famous for beauty and durability? Yours for.the askin ilks “ed See thefostion ° =a booklet worth having 5 he hallmark of distinction in dress ts the Cmpire Lomeraft Silk label SILK COMPANY H AVENUE NEW YO RK really big, man. One, who though plainly possessed of qualities which had earned him the re- spect and admiration of his fellows, was large enough to realize the limi- tations of human grandeur, and to bear himself accordingly. Interested, I inquired of a chance acquaintance just wherein lay the man’s claim to distinction. Was he a great artist, statesman, or engineer possibly, whose modest and retiring nature led him to make his home in this secluded little town? Or | maybe a philanthropist, whose unob- trusive, yet generous, gifts to his home town had earned him such unusual affection. To my surprise, the man addressed looked at me coldly, and without mak- ing any response, walked away. Mak- ing similar inquiries of others, I met with the same lack of success. Polite evasions, or curt replies, met all my questions on the subject. Puzzled, and curious to learn the secret, I determined to appeal to Mr. Plotz himself. He told me without any hesitation, and the explanation was so simple that I had to smile at my own obtuseness. He had formerly operated a saloon, and it was the popular impression that he had still a few cases of his old stock hidden away. SETTING UP LATE “Yes, I got plenty of setting up exer- cise in the army.” “And you are an adept,” bawled dad from the head of the stairs. “It's 12.30 now, young man.” fopror-| | fromry | | ! ety This boob His wife And, leading didn’t know did,though. him out, Opportunity even when he saw it. Moral—There’s quite a lot of these self-made men. showed him how to grab it. comicbooks.com