THE REASON WHY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 204, 28 August 1926, Page 25

THE REASON WHY.

Al was never tidy in his dress, but recently we- noticed an improvement iD his appearance. * "Al seems to take more of a pride in his dress," Dad sa\d to Mum; "I am quite pleased to call him mv son." "Yes," Mum replied. "This morning he put on a clean collar, and his tie was straight for once. He pressed and bnibhed his clothes, and polished every part of his boots, instead of only the fronts." "He stole my nail file and lost it," 1 put in. '"The wretch has been pouring my brilliantine over his hair.' , growled Tom. "My tooth-paste is vanishing," Yvonne said, "and I've lost my scented soap and nail polish. I wish Al would buy his own toilet preparations if he wants to look like a movie idol." Just then the subject of our conversation appeared. He looked entirely different from the usual Allen. His suit was nicely pressed and brushed, his tie was straight, and did not look like a piece of string. His hair, usually resembling a mop. was well oiled and brushed. His teeth gleamed, and a wellkept hand held a well-cleaned hat. Dad beamed. He was quite proud of his son. "It won't last long." Tom said. But Tom was wrong. For two weeks Al continued to borrow our toilet requisites and dress very carefully. We knew something was in the wind —and we were right."' " 'Er, Dad." Al said. "Well, my son," Dad replied. " 'Er —Dail, I —er—a little bird whispered that —cr —cr —you were—ahem! —going to give mc a fortball." "Well, I ? m afraid that bit J. was untruthful," Dad replied. "[ don't approve of boys playing ruffianly games like football, so I'm not likely to give you a football." "But, Dad. you said you'd give mc one!" Al gasped. "Nonsense! Whenever did I say that? I have no recollection of ever promising such a thing." "Oh, Dad! You told Minks." "How dare you say that?" thundered Dad. "Did Minks tell you so:" "No." Al replied, "but when Minka was over here the other week I heard you say 'I'll give him a football if he keeps tidy for a week." "You young rascal!" snapped Dad. "How dare you listen to my conversation? Minks asked mc what he could do to make his son keep himself tidy. I suggested that he should give him a football if he did so for a week." "What a waste of effort," said >" under his lireath.