Life — March 22, 1923 — page 29: what you’re looking at

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

ne d ed he ne Fiction Is Stranger Than Truth HE Great Publisher arose from his chair as his secretary usher- ed into his private office the Popular Author and two companions. “My dear chap,” he exclaimed, “['m delighted to see you. I’ve been wondering if you had forgotten that you are supposed to be writing a novel for our fall list. How lucky you came in, and who are these?” indicating the young man and girl who stood silently at the Popular Author's elbow. “Humph,” snorted the Author, “they're why I'm here—and why you haven't got my manuscript yet. They're the hero and heroine of the story I'm writing—darn ’em !” “Really?” murmured the Publish- er, rubbing his- chins. “How very interesting. Won't you all sit down? I'm sure that with two such charm- ing main characters as these two young people seem to be, you should have little trouble with your work. What seems to be the matter?” & said the Popular Author, one of the editorial cigars, e this. I’ve put Isabelle here wonderful country place on Island with cars and police dogs and indulgent parents and col- ored handkerchiefs to hang around her neck, and I've given Bob an ex- pensive college education and a bid every week-end to house parties at {sabel nd what do they give me in return? Base ingratitude !” The Publisher looked inquiringly at the hoy and girl. “Indeed?” he asked. “They appear to be delightful lities. Are you sure they are ungrateful to you?” “Certainly I’m sure,” replied the “Twice in two chapters Bob Sail and Motor BOATS Sturdy Craft at Moderate Prices Inquire About Our Boardman-Hoyt Design Five-meter Racing Knockabout and Our Coupe Automobile Boat with Electric Self-starter Cape Cod Shipbuilding Corp. 18 Tremont St, Bose, Mass. Exhibiting al Fishermen's Equipment, Exhibition Boston, March 26th. Clark’s 20th Mediterranean Cruise 2 ally chartered “Balt i, i tae, 80 uD, Including hotels, Stop-orers in» Europe. SUMMER TOURS ‘TO EUROPE FRANK C. CLARK. TIMES BUILDING, NEW YORK Rens ‘edverticing ihe 31 45-Foot Elco Bridge-Deck Cruiser A World of Beauty and of Health Awaits You [THE picturesque old fishing vil- lages and island-dotted bays of the New England coast—the historic Chesapeake —the majestic Hudson and St, Lawrence—the rock-ribbed Straits of Mackinac—all these and a thousand other beautiful spots are yours to enjoy when you go a-voy- aging in your own cruiser. Thedustand strain of motortravel, the crowded quarters of hotels, are replaced bythe comfortand freedom of your own home. Every moment is full of interest—when under way, you are master of your own ship, and can adventure where you will; at anchor, you can fish, swim, or enjoy the courtesies of the local yacht club. You will have cool nights of sound, refreshing sleep, and cultivate a real appetite. Thereis plenty of room fora party of six people and, if you wish, a crew of two, on this new 45-foot Elco Cruiser—many larger boats afford no more comfortable quarters. There is a private stateroom, a roomy for- ward cabin, a galley with stove, ice- box and sink, a covered bridge-deck and the powerful, trusty Elco engine. Elcostandardized construction not only enables us to build our models at a price much lower than asked for other boats of anywhere near their size but also guarantees your satisfaction. Come to Bayonne—try out this beautiful boat —or visit our Show Room and inspect all of the Standardized Models 30-foot Veedette Express 34-foot Cruisette 40-foot Elco Cruiser 45-foot Elco Cruiser ‘Twin-Screw Deck-house Cruiser If you cannot conveniently visit us, descriptive catalog and detailed specifications will gladly be sent at your request. has been out at night alone with Isa- belle in her roadster, and neither time has either one of them sug- gested staying out all night. Isabelle seldom smokes and never drinks too much; Bob refuses to fall into a drunken stupor at the dinner table or on the dance floor. He is often with- out a flask, and Isabelle wears a skirt to her bathing suit, and flagrantly disobeys my requests to roll her stockings, at least for tennis. Isn’t that so?” he demanded of his two charges. .“T’m afraid it is, sir,” acquiesced the boy, and the girl nodded, smiling. “There!” shouted the Author, tri- umphantly. “See how polite and well- behaved they are? They make me sick. Why, just the other night I had Bob take a ride in the subway, and what do you suppose the darn fool did? Gave up his seat to a woman!- I’ve pleaded with ’em both; I’ve told ’em they’re making themselves con- spicuous, and are holding up my whole plot, because they won’t act like regular people, but they won’t change a bit. I know it sounds im- possible, chief, but I swear I’m be- ginning to think the trouble with ’em is that’—his voice broke with emotion—“is that they're refined!” The Great Publisher fell back, stunned; a strange ringing seemed to fill his ears... “T knew it was too good to be true,” he sighed, as he rolled out of bed and shut off the alarm clock. A. C. M. A. comicbooks.com