Life, 1926-04-22 · page 12 of 40
Life — April 22, 1926 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a short story about "Cousin Julia," a woman from Oregon or Nebraska visiting New York City. The narrative describes Julia's encounter with a man claiming to be "Joe Smith" at a social gathering. The humor centers on a common con-artist scheme of the era: a stranger approaches a visitor from out-of-town, claims to know them or be from their hometown, and attempts to gain their trust for nefarious purposes. Julia's sharp response—she slaps him and hisses "JOE SMITH!"—suggests she recognizes this as a scam. The accompanying illustration shows the dramatic moment at what appears to be a formal party or nightclub scene. The satire targets both predatory urban con-men and the gullibility of naive rural visitors to New York City.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
shake rette; this was her made “Just a sec,” s. flask bel fumbling ag: A, returning the table After hit up anothy empty “Is it port this tim (which isn't bad co asked George nsidering how far it had to be fetched) “No; starh stepped M time ard,” said Julia, and in Josmitski for the second ‘Come on,” said Julia, “I want to go somewhere else.” We told her we until he finished sing should have to wait “We couldn't go now; he'd be sure to make a song about us as we left.” “He'd cousin with a fla better said my “Come on; | want to go ne I knew at was a bad thing to do, but she said it in such there a decided way that She re turned the starboard flask, we paid the Was no resisting her. and George hurried off for our and | walked the dance-floor towards the exit and coats what I had prophe happen; M od began to Josmitski, seeing us leav- LEE ing in the midst of his entertainment, hegan to recite his customary len carly, sleep all night His voice suddenly ceased. Julia!” 1 cried in a loud whisper cat’s sake! OUSIN JULIA from Oregon or Nebraska % York t Manhattanites around n city Her further adventures in the will be chronicled in issues of Lire lustrations are by Gar. ret Price. “Jor sMITH!" SHE TIsseD VENOMOUSLY.” My walked cousin had across the and was staring the eyes of the »smi Then clearly 1 came Julia's de “JOE ously ciation : SMITH!" she hissed venom- The man staggered back a step. Don't from Wasn't I there when 7 know you! I come your home town! run out for this were same sort She lifted her hand slowly until di rectly under his nose, then gave her SMITH!! 1 the sidewalk, fingers a sharp snap. “JOKE In a minute we were or rrying a!" T said did know him know him,” girl “My dear girl, id the as “But T guess I've read about all those people being fakes. I've always wanted to call one.” ling George doubled up. “T believe his name really Joe Smith You New stand for anything.” Berry ers will Fleming. somichacksicom