Page:The Voice of the City (1908).djvu/158

 “‘’Twas an ordinance,’ says I, ‘just passed by the Polis Department and ratified by the Turf Cutters’ Association, providing that all persons not carrying a license number on their rear axles shall keep in the public parks until further notice. Fortunately, the orders comes this year during a spell of fine weather, and the mortality, except on the borders of the lake and along the automobile drives, will not be any greater than usual.’

“‘Who are these people on the side of the hill?’ asks the man.

“‘Sure,’ says I, ‘none others than the tenants of the Beersheba Flats—a fine home for any man, especially on hot nights. May daylight come soon!’

“‘They come here be night,’ says he, ‘and breathe in the pure air and the fragrance of the flowers and trees. They do that,’ says he, ‘coming every night from the burning heat of dwellings of brick and stone.’

“‘And wood,’ says. I. ‘And marble and plaster and iron.’

“‘The matter will be attended to at once,’ says the man, putting up his book.

“‘Are ye the Park Commissioner?’ I asks.

“‘I own the Beersheba Flats,’ says he. ‘God bless the grass and the trees that give extra benefits to a man’s tenants. The rents shall be raised fifteen per cent. to-morrow. Good-night,’ says he.”