Life — January 9, 1913 — page 70: what you’re looking at

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

114 Intimate Interviews “M* word! from?” “Well, where did you come from?” 1913 glared at 1913. There was an ominous silence. Then they both settled back in chairs which were very much too large for them and grinned at each othe “T suppose,” said 1913, “that you've got a millennium concealed about your person somewhere? w Year that lays claim to being any sort of a New Year should go into the world without a millennium.” “Have you?” “Sure. I intend to spring it upon a long-suffering people—that is to s. if it doesn’t peter out before the end of my contract.” “Tt will, my boy, it will.” “You speak as though you've had some experience. Both of us are new at this game.” “That doesn’t matter. You don't have to know anything to make prom- ises to the Americans. You don’t even have to appear to know anything. We can live for several months on the strength of a millennium that we haven't got. And we can put it over, too. What's your platform?” “My platform is, ‘Something doing to-morrow.’ And yours?” “*Something doing day after to- morrow '—just to give it variety. Of ¢ not bound by any. plat- Where did you come course we’ form. “No, Still it’s just as well to have one—in case you're asked. But let's be honest for a moment. What have you really got in store for these folks?” “My dear boy, I have got the same thing in store that you have. A few pleasures, such as an Inauguration Ball. A few comforts, say possibly wireless photography and a_ parcels post—and heaps of troubl “That's about where I get off.” “But, say, old man, what gets me is this: I am awfully young yet; and I have only just had a chance to look around. But it’s the faith of these people that amuses me. Do you know they actually believe in both of us. It’s weird, isn't it?” “It’s weird, considering the fact that no bunco man who ever came ENVY down the pike ever threw any more of a bluff than we are throwing. But we rust keep it up, my boy—throw in a happy day now and then, just to jolly them along. By the way, how many happy days have you got about you?” “Well—le s there are three hundred and sixty-five and a quarter altogether in the whole deck, aren't there?” “Yes.” “Well, I should say I ten and a half.” “Do you mean full days.” “Well, allowing for seven sleep. How is it with you?” “TL make it ten and three-quarters.” “T'll match you for the extra quar- What have you got?” had about hours’ But then a quarter of a make much “T lose. day's happiness doesn’t difference to a busy people like this. Are your samples all right?” “Yes, And a fine line they are too —to display.” “Well let’s start out. Remember, my boy, we've only got twelve months to make the rounds. A short life and a merry one.” 1913 grabbed 1913 by the arm. “A merry one for us, you mean?” he said. “Certainly for us. You didn’t sup- pose I meant anyone clse, did you? Are you ready?” “All ready!” “Then we're off!” Mrs. Microbe: you, wi, COMR AWAY FROM THAT ALIMEN- TARY CANAL THIS’ MINUTE!