“IT WAS A FAMOUS VICTORY."

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1993, 21 June 1919, Page 1

“IT WAS A FAMOUS VICTORY."

It was a summer evening; Old Kasparovas at home, Sitting before his cottage door — Like in the Southey pome — And near him, with a magazine, Idled his grandchild, Geraldine. “Why don’t you ask me,” Kaspar said To the child upon the lloor, “Why don’t you ask me what I did AVhen I was in the war ? They told me that each little kid Would surely ask me what I did. “I’ve had my story ready For thirty years or more.” “Don’t bother, Grandpa,” said the child; “I find such things a bore. Pray leave me to my magazine,” Asserted little Geraldine. Then entered little Pelevkin, To whom his gaffer said; “You’d like to hear about the war ? How I was left for dead?” “No. And, besides,” declared the youth, “How do I know you speak the truth?” Arose that wan, embittered man, The hero of this pome, And walked, with not unsprightly step, Down to (he Soldiers’ Home, Where he, with seven oilier men, Sat swapping lies till half-past ten. —Franklin P. Adams, in “X.Y. Life.”