Page:Gadsby.djvu/136

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
GADSBY

told of four calls for him in four days, to young girls, similarly drunk.

“And my first call was to young Mary—Antor’s tiny Grammar School kid, who was as drunk as Virginia; but, on coming out of it, told of robbing Antor’s pantry, in which liquor was always on hand for his political pals, you know; that poor kid taking it to various affairs and giving it to boys; and winning ‘popularity’ that way.”

“So,” said Gadsby, “Councilman Antor’s boy and girl, brought up in a family with liquor always handy, now, with ignorant, childish braggadocio, bring Councilman Antor into this mix-up! I’m sorry for Antor; but his pantry is in for an official visit.”

It wasn’t so long from this day that Court got around to this rumpus. To say that that big room was full, would put it mildly. Although, according to an old saying, “a cat is only as big as its skin,” that room’s walls almost burst, as groups of church organizations and law abiding inhabitants almost fought for admission; until standing room was nothing but a suffocating jam. As Gadsby and Doc Wilkins sat watching that sight, Gadsby said:—

“It’s an outpouring of rightful wrath by a proud city’s population; who, having put out good,

[ 128 ]