Life — October 12, 1911 — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

*L1F B Life’s Family Album Rupert Hughes *]S Mr. Hughes in?” The tall Ethiopian to whom we tim- illy addressed this inquiry towered above us. Although with admirable savoir faire we had elbowed our way through the throng of leading stars and theatrical managers who were waiting in the ante- room, we trembled slightly at the thought of our temerity The servitor handed us a gold check. “Wait your turn, please. In about a week you can see Mr. Hughes.” We found that the time did not ha heavily on our hands, so much was there to see in this modern author's domécile. Orchestra. leaders with their scores sscd and repassed constantly. On the tables lay handsome volumes of Mr. Hughes’ works, bound in vellum, for the excitement and interest of the waiting uest. Messages were constantly being delivered from anxious publishers, In the near distance a corps of typewriters could be heard, in symphony with each other, chorusing the famous author's cre- ations, while handsomely gowned women, waiting for their parts to be assigned, paced the floor nervously. At last we were admitted. “Mr. Hughes, the famous author of the Encyclopedia Britannica, The Rich- est Girl in the World, Alexander the Great, Gyges Ring, The Musteal Guide, Songs by Thirty Americans and other in- numerable works?” “The same.” “You have also contributed to Lire?” “ Dear me, yes.” “Mr. Hughes, we are very great ad- mirers of you and your work. We wish to convey some idea to our readers of what you really are, Will you kindly xlance over this?” With a light heart we handed what we have already written. As we had a full week to write it, we flattered our- selves that it was something pretty fair. He gazed at it aghast. “ Are you going to use this?” “Why not?” “ But you say that you want to give a correct idea to what I am?” “Such is our modest desire.” Then promise me onc thing.” We promise.” Don't do this. Begin all over again We promise” (after waiting for Mr. Hughes that length of time we were ready to promise anything). “Very well, then. You may begin.” “Where born?” “ Missouri, Lancaster.” “Date?” “ January 31, 187 “ Educated?” “Public schools, Keokuk, Ia.; St. Charles College, Western Reserve Acad- emy; graduated from Adelbert College, Western Reserve University; A.M. Yale.” “alle” “ AIL can think of just now.” “What is your favorite amusement?" “ Drilling. Sce 69th Regiment.” “And your specialty? “Writing plays, poems, stories, ency- clopedias, and histories.” “And will you furnish an affidavit to accompany this?” “With pleasure, if you will ‘excuse me” Calling a notary, Mr. Hughes rapidly dictated the following : “This is to certify that I, Rupert Hughes, party of all the part, have care- fully read this genuine interview, the object of which is to convey some idea of my genius to the readers of Lire, and I do hereby pronounce it incorrect in every important particular—R. H.” We then withdrew, feeling that we had done our full duty Joy-Riders, Aerial and Terrestrial AT, Nass 0% Long stand, the other day, an inexperienced air- man who attempted a joy ride in an acroplane that he had no right to use. took one chance too many and came down, stonc-swift, to his death. It was a pity, but at least the joy riding aviators pay for their fun with their own lives, whereas the joy-riding motorists usually kill somebody: else. Small Daughter of the House: om, MY, AUNTY! MR. WooDBY MUST DE AWFUL WISH. [ JUST HPARD HIM TELL SISTER ME COULD explain everything! comicbooks.com