Life — March 1, 1929 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Old Muffer" by Fowler duPont This is a humorous short story about marital discord, not political satire. The narrative concerns Tom Holliday, whose wife Mary calls him "Old Muffer" because he disappeared on their wedding night—a source of long-standing marital tension. The story's humor derives from domestic life: Tom left to help his brother, Mary thought he'd abandoned her, and years later when he finally returns home, their dog Humphrey eats their prized possession (Old Muffer the dog). The couple eventually reunites and laughs about the absurd situation. The accompanying illustration shows three figures in what appears to be a home interior, likely depicting a key moment in the reconciliation. The satire targets marriage mishaps and miscommunication rather than political figures.