West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1878-07-20
THE GIANT.

The whole population of the village
was going down street, but DR.. Hicks
was going up. His black coat was but
toned more tightly than usual about his
spare form, his eyes glared rebukiugly
through his spectacles upon his neigh
bors hurrying by to the circus
The doctor, in his quiet house on the
hill, had dozen boys, who, under his
teaching, were preparing for college.
lie knew that they were hard at work
now, with the windows closed to keen
out the sound of the band and the
cheering under the big tent He had
attended TO that before coming out.
BY dlnt of controlling boys twenty
years, the doctor had begun TO look upon
all mankind as his pupils. He would
have liked TO tweak the ears of the
squire, or set him down to ninety lines
of Virgil, when he saw him going under
the canvas cover.
The next moment the good old man
stopped, appalled,. There was his senior
class-the three boys who were reading
the Understanding at the ticket-ofTice-
high hats, downy upper lips, canes
and all
" Young gentlemen, thought better
of you than thisw
eve had half-holiday, you remem-
ber, doctor"
But to spend il in this scene of folly
You intend to become physician, Mr..
Maury, What confidence would dy-
ing patient have in you, who had seen
you Starring at these painted creatures
and human monstrOsities? / do not
exeEcise my authority. j only ask YOU
TO consider your own self-respect."
The boys grew red aud angry. They
fad planned this visit for days. The
doctor stood looking anxiously into
their faces.
Maury laughed. Gwen not 60, sir.
But out of respect to you; not to our
selves. Come, boys"
Maury, who was always spokesman
and leader, had not the least doubt that
the boys would follow him. The doctor
looked after him with friendly ewes.
Judge Lloyd came up at the moment.
Vt j. easy to see who is your favorite
scholar" he said.
No, no. Charley is not my best
Grecan, and is deficient in mathematics.
But he is an independent, high-spirited
lad. Good blood. l knew his father
wen-James Maury."
An orphan, ehT'
Yes. His guardian sent him TO me
ten years ago. There was property
enough, it seems, tp educate him, but
no more. The boy has had a lonely life
enough. He has no kinsfolk nor friends.
The other boys have letters, boxes, visits
from their friends, and go home in the
holidays; but Maury has nothing to give
interest to his life-except, indeed, the
wish not to disgrace the Maury name. .
" If you please, sir, this is for you i"
said queer-looking boy running against
the doctors legs and handing him a
note
DEAR SIR"-the note ram aRi the
uncle and only living kinsman of your
pupil, Charles Maury. AS ! wish to confer
with you in reference to the boy, and can
not come to you. shall feel myself greatly
indebted TO you II you will accompany the
bearer, who will lead you to me.
Respectfully, WILLIAM X. SPERRY."
"'Uncle' Maury! Most extra
ordinary coincidence Ahl here is a
postscript:
You will oblige me by keeping this
communication secret, especially from
my nephew
"And where is Mr.. SperryY' de-
manded the doctor, turning TO the boy.
"Ill take you 10 him." he said, and
he began TO dodge through the crowd.
the doctor following him. Finally he
entered r house with windows looking
toward the circus
The doctor sat down, bewildered by
the sudden summons, the beating of
drums, and the clangor of cymbals.
Mr.. Sperry, being n stranger. has
doubtless blundered into lodgings in this
place. It must be exceedingly un-
pleasant for a man of refinement TO be
within hearing Of all this vulgarity.
shall take him home with me at once.
Sperry'? Yes Charley's father did
marry q Sperry. Old Maryland family.
Very strSuge ] never heard of him
before though"
The doctors eyes, as he meditated
wandered TO the window. Opposite was
large opening in the canvas tent The
interior was in direct view. The doctor
was human. He looked, rose, walked
10 the window.
The county had empticd itself into
the circus. The massed heads rose. tier
upon tier, from tan-bark to the roof.
The ring-master strutted into the center
Of the circle, whip in hand
" j have the pleasure. ladies and
gentlemen, Of introducing to YOU the
world-renowned giant, Magog. measur-
ing seven feet and nine inches from
head to heel Step out, Magogw
Magog entered the arena clothed in
scarlet, with nodding plumes in an inn
mense chapeau
One Of a family Of giants" shouted
the Snowman. Father and mother
both giantsi Fifteen children, all
grants, and this is the youngest Show
your PAGES, Magog Feel his arms,
gentlemen Solid flesh. No deception.
Inc great creature stood still while a
crowd OF men and boys pinched and