POLO, Marco, F. R. G. S., traveler, discoverer, and lecturer. Began
expeditions from Venice. Discovered China, Japan, and the Orient.
Returned to Venice and Doctor Cooked his neighbors. He is supposed,
however, to have visited the countries, as he produced a pair of chop
sticks, a Chinese laundry, and some Japanese lanterns. These were
accepted as proofs by the University of Venice. Ambition: The north
pole.
POMPADOUR, Madame, coiffeur, Queen of France. Said to have been a peach.
Was a great friend of Louis XV, and helped make the dances at Versailles
a success. Ambition: Plenty of hair. Recreation: Versailles. Address:
See Louis. Clubs: Anti.
POWELL-BADEN, Robert S., a warrior who retired from service and invented
soldiers to be shot when the next big war comes along.
PROCRASTINATOR, T. H. E., an extinct man who believed in the doctrine
of To-morrow. He was a thief, but was never convicted. Ancient records
state he invariably had an excuse for present inactivity, but would
promise results the following day. Was a close friend of Failure. Put
off everything except Death, and even did his best to keep him away
as long as possible. Motto: No time like the future. Ambition: To
accomplish to-morrow what the other fellow is doing to-day. Recreation:
Always before business. Address: Nobody knows. Clubs: Many.
PROGRESS, Pilgrim, an Englishman who made an extensive journey
encumbered with a large pack. He visited Paris, had some hairbreadth
escapes, was stuck in the mud, but finally returned and became
respectable like all other Englishmen.
PUCCINI, Giacomo, maker of tunes and curtain calls. A musician who did
not starve, and who gave the classical name "La Faniculla del West" to
the plain "girl of the golden west."
PULLMAN, an American who invented an expensive means of travel. P. also
is responsible for the vast fortunes acquired by porters.
PUNCH, husband of Judy, and a great favorite with the children, even
if he did beat his old wife. Led a hen-pecked life. Traveled in several
European countries and spoke all the best-selling languages. His name
has been given to a serious London publication.
PYTHAGORAS, a Greek who said some people would be pigs after they were
dead.