Life — December 6, 1917 — page 85: what you’re looking at

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

es ar ve a ee “Tam sorry, i should not—have told you. But you wanted the truth. After all, my opinion is nothing.” “Never mind. You haven't harmed me. I'm just where I was. I hoped you could throw out a rope. . . But we must all walk the plank— straight into the dark, . Dust and shadow—how does the Latin go?— pulvis et wubra.” He filled his pipe, pressing the tobacco with an experi- enced forefinger. He was silent for a Then: rthur?” “Yes, James?” “There's one thing I'm enjoying.” whi “Well?” “You're a fakir, too.” “A fakir? You mean that you—?" “Lord, yes, man, Bread pills. Col- ored syrups. Trips to Europe. All that. Had to. Could I say: ‘My dear Mr. A or Mrs. B, you're a pig; stop stuff- ing’? Not I. It w change of air, sanitariums, medicine, golf, and so on. Take old Joe West. Out in the coun- try. Working his wife to death. Could I tell him so? Never. Instead, I put her to bed, invented a terrible disease, and told him she'd die if she worked hard again. Now she keeps a girl, wears pretty clothes and looks ten years younger. . . . And Tom Mil- ler, You remember? I kept him sober a year. Scared him: gave him ine that upset him. He thought he was dying. “Tam afraid I assisted at Tom's con- version,” confessed the Minister, “I remember painting a somewhat lurid hell on that occasion.” The two old workers of iniquity looked at each other solemnly. “Tt was lying, of course,” he added ruefully, “but he had a family, and I felt that the end justified—"” The Lure of Old New York andeolahte and the lors! lity of Its remlalscences are fascinating Read shat Old Bond Street, Lafagette Place, Ohl No. 3 School in | VALENTINE’S MANUAL | sUetave as a Christmas Gift, Beautifully bound in full | Morocco gilt top, deckle edge, Makes handsome appear- | ance. Its pictures of old New York are wonderful—eleven | platesin color and ninety-eight in photogravure, showing the city asitlooked when the average middle aged man wasa | | boy. Price $10.00. Cloth $5.00. Also NEW YORK OF TODAY showing the eit 8 ts vp to the minute, receive the Allled Comu Taylor, reser, Macy, Malka Press,” 17 East 40th Street, York City, 21 Jewels SB Adjustments Ultra Thin Solid Gold Designer NATIONAL WATCH CO.,ELGIN, U.S.A The watch of a gentleman. Sterling character, in classic design, dressed in solid gold, ___ The newest and finest of a fine old line. A titled timepiece, whose possession instantly brands you a connoisseur, A priceless heirloom—the gift that lasts a lifetime. No man can know the fullness of pride of possession, till he owns the $100 Lord Elgin. and Producers a To be sure. Why, We have to do “To be sure. man, we have to lie. it “Tt would almost scem so,” said the Minister sadly. “It would almost scem so. But my offense is greater than yours, It is more serious to juggle with souls than bodies. How- ever, U did not wish to deceive. In the beginning I myself believed. I have not enjoyed lying—” “Well, I must say at times I have. It was unholy joy to get the best of Joe West. Anyhow, lies are the lubri- cants of life. Your liar is your only real civilizer. Remember I said so.” The Minister's gentle old face re- mained troubled. “T prefer the truth. Lying, some- how, seemed forced upon me. My peo- ple—those in my charge—believed the —the accepted things. And they be- lieved in me. I could not say: ‘ Your (Continued on page 983) comicbooks.com