The Argosy, Volume XLIV — page 101: what you’re looking at

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

TO MY he said, “I am going to make a full and free confession to you. I have been in favor of the trolley line between this city and Yoctangee ever since the sub- ject was first broached.” Such a storm of hisses greeted: this statement that 1t was several moments before their curiosity permitted him to proceed. At last he once more gained their attention. “T have intended since the beginning to approve this franchise,” he contin- ued; “ but I proposed to make Yoctan- gee pay for it. |] allowed myself to be abducted, ostensibly in order that the franchise, having failed to receive my veto within the statutory limit, should stand as though approved; but really in order to forever silence the taunt which CIGAR. 97 hitherto we have had to hear unre- buked. | “The franchise stands, my fellow citizens, and hereafter let us hope that Yoctangee and Doodleburg will be linked by the stronger bonds of amity and good feeling. But—and this is the point for which I have striven—it 1s certain that never again will we be forced to endure the insulting inquiry: “Who stole the elephant?” for we can demand with even greater emphasis: “Who stole the mayor? ” A roar of frenzied delight swelled up to the silent stars. Doodleburg ac- cepted the mayor’s explanation, and ratified it. They cared nothing for the passing of the franchise; their ancient shame was wiped out. TO MY CIGAR. - My good old friend, In lazy way I’ve watched your varying Ghost rings sway ; lve touched your lips In fond caress, lve smoothed the wrinkles Of your dress ; Half solemnly I’ve seen the fall Of each white ash And noted all ; The warmth, the fire That in you lies, I’ve valued with A lover’s eyes, And doubt if Ceylon’s breezes be More rich in spice Than you to me ; Till now at last I lay you down, Seant in your coat Of lessening brown, And sadly ponder, As you burn For me within Your funeral urn That friendship’s noblest Lot you’ve known— You gave your life To cheer my own. Archibald Douglas. COME OO UN S COL