The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1885-06-06

Tom Dlgsby is now prominent bus
lness man of New Orleans, but at one
time in his life he was a boy who wore
freckles on the rims Of ais ears and
sore nose and large patch on the
ground floor OF bis trOnsers, and who
used TO sit on top OF his back fence and
yell az people as they passed on tho
street and swing his bare feet and rag.
bound toes in the mellow sunshine.
Tom was the cock of the walk among
the boys in his neighbOrhood until a
burly lad named Jake Smith suddenly
made his appearance one day and
punched his rose so successfully in a
dispute concerning an iron barrel hoop
that Tom was forced TO resign his ieaC-
ership and 20 home ana CandIdly admit
u bis tuother that he had fallen ont Of "A
chnaberfy tree.
All The boys who Witnessed the
encounter were willing 20 declare their
loyalty TO Jake Smith, but Jake was
OF q puguacious disposition, and he had
no confidence in their loyalty until he
had hammered each one OF them, and
for several weeks after his Introduction
TO Tou there was galaxy of black
eyes aud lump-laden heads in the
neighbOrnoOd.
Jake at last became u perfect tyrant,
and would lay regular tax on marbles,
Kites, spiuniug-tops and pie, and II any
one objected 70 the collection OF the tax,
he had way OF enforcing it that was
eminently successful, and caused each
delinquent to pay up. In the course OF
time the boys determined 10 throw of
the yoke, and 10 or II of them held a
secret meeting In Tom Digsby's wood
shed, and after they haG seated them
selves on cord-wood and ash-bar-
rels the meeting was called to
order, and Tom explained that its pur-
pose was TO devise ways and means to
whip Jake Smith. He also stated that
ne had purchased pair of boxing
gloves and book entitled "rhe MANY
Art of Self Defense" which, II the rules,
~ laid down In the book, were adhered
70, would enable person 10 thrash his
antagonist. Tom went further, and
said that the gloves and the book we're
at the service of the meeting. The
boys present listened very attentively
u MS remarks, and whom he finished u
motion was put before the meeting TO
the effect that Tom Digsby be appointed
committee of one 10 whip Jake Smith,
with power to select his time and op.
portunity. The motion caused Tom
considerable mental distress, and he
arose 10 decline the honor, but
before he could say anything
the nominations were closed, and
ne We unanimously elected. The
meetig then pledged Itself 90 secrecy,
Tor fear that Jake Smith might hear Of
the plot and suddenly step in and defeat
the aims of Justice. After the election
rom Di2sby read the "Manly Art OF
sell, Deieuse" very carefully Tor several
Weeks put on the gloves with Jimmie
bafker audpracliced Sparrlng. AT each
practice match the 10 or IL supporters of
aom wore present and applauded the
neat and graceful manner In which he
handled his fists, and Tom would ex-
plain that II the rules of the book were
OBEY ed it would be impossible for an
adversary TO get In blow. The book
instructed Tom to advance his lett foot
ana INST, body inclining forward, ana 10
make a feint with his left hand and
then follow quickly with his right. This
Iule he followed TO the letter in his
practice with Jimmie Barker, and
YOU'D succeed in hitting Jimmie every
ume, - the great delight Of tho boys,
VINO Actured Ia their minds the dread
iuI beating Jake Smith would get.
The day came on when Tom Digsby
geclared that he was proficient in the
amsnly art" and that he was satisfied
ne could lick Jake. II was a great day
with the boys, and they made him exer-
use his mus iles with dumb bells and
.nen took him out on the streets Ia
search OF the sullen foe. They met
JAKE Smith on the corner playing "pee-
Wee" aud Tom walked boldly toward
MN and declared his ability to whip
MN clean out OF his pants. Jake said
no,hing, but took of his coat and Tom
left foot and fist according TO the rules
snd made the proper feint, Toms part
VI the programme ended there, as Jake
struck out aud hit him on the nose and
niade his heels fly up, and when his back
Mas on the ground Jake took him by
he ears and rubbad s,h'' dead In
'ne 49, tstion of