Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1889-03-21


fist of Sidney Waite.
"rll whip you until you can't stand"
said he, Infatuated, turning TO defend
himself.
The other boys gathered about the
two combatants. At first sight, the
odds seemed to be in favor OF John
Hodges. He was strongly built, and
NJ least two inches taller than his ad-
versary. Sidney, however, was much
quicker in his mtoioDs. His personal
strength, indeed, was not equal to that
of Hodges, but he knew better how TO
diro"t and use it to advantage.
"Now, come on" beloved Hodges;
I'll teach you TO interfere in what l
choose to do, you young rascal"
Sidney did not call any names nor
deal in provoking language. But he
kept wary eye upon the move
ments of his opponent, and when the
latter struck out he was really to parry
the blow. The fact was that Sidney
had received some instructions in tho
eleme ntary principles of boxing, from
a cousin who had visited him from the
city the summer previous, although
Hodges knew nothing Of this.
Hodges pitched in.n rs the phrase
Is, with great impetuosity, but very
little caution or science. BY strictly
watching HIM, Sidney succeeded in
warding off wholly or partially all his
blows, while the others want of pru-
dence gave him frequent opportunities
of striking him home when he was of
his guard. Evidently, Hodges found
him harder to overcome than he antici-
10 fol l,,t l, lAi
reputation before the boys, and this
with the consciousness that he was be-
ing worsted by "a boy smaller and not
so strong as himself, provoked him
sorely. He became more and more
reckless In his blows, till at last, a pow
erful blow of Sidney's rolled him in the
dust
THAT wasn't fair" he exclaimed, fu-
riously, II slipped"
1T was fair enough" interposed one
Of his late companions. You had
better give up"
Mover" he exclaimed, springing to
his feet and renewing the contest.
Sidney kept perfectly cool, and this
gave him greater advantage. This,
added TO the little knowledge he pos
sessed OF boxing, was more than sutli-
Gent to counterbalance his opponents
superior strength and height.
| The second contest was briefer than
tho first. Again Hodges was over
thrown. and this seemed to take away
his desire for fighting, for, as he rose
| slowly, he went off muttering threats
| of vengeance against his cOnqueror.
Now boys" said Sidney, when
Hodges had left the ground, Il hope
you will bear me witness that ] didn't
want to fight. don't like it. don't
think it is right to fight unless one is
obliged to in order to prevent some act
of oppression. If hadn't fought with
Hodges now, he would have been stOu-
| ing all the cats in the neighborhood.'
That he would" said Tom.
"Who does this cat belong top con-
tinued Sidney.
ITO Old Maid Hill"
"She scenes to be lame. just you
go behind the wall, and | will call her
down and carry her home. She'll be
frightened if you are here"
The cat was at first little cautious
about answering the call, but at length,
seeming to be satisfied that no harm
was meant, came down. Taking her
up, Sidney discovered that she was
/ somewhat hurt.
Ola Maid Hill lived n6out quarter
! OF mile distant She was maiden
lady Of about fifty, reputed to be sharp
| tongued and OF rather an acid DISPOSE
ton. She had considerable property,
| but nobody knew how much, as she was
not communicative about her personal
| concerns. but delighted in keeping
people in the dark on this and other
points. She lived very much alone
had few or no female friends, and SEEM
ed to be quite satisfied with her solita-
ry mode of life. Her affections, which
must have some object, seemed to be
given to the cat who has already fig
ured in our story. She had nursed her
from kitten, and, having been nearly
her only companion for five years, the
cat was strongly endeared to her. Let
us not laugh at this affection. The hui
man heart is SO constituted that Il must
cling to something, and We may pity,
but not ridicule, her who finds no
worthier object on which 10 lavish her
attachment.
Sidney Waite knocked at the door OF
Miss Hills small house. She opened it.,
and looked at him in some surprise.
II am afraid. Miss Hill, your cat is a
little hurt. found some boys stoning
her in the street, and brought her
away"
Poor puss," said the old maid, with
an air of deep concern. Where is she
hurtp"
Sidney told her. She noticed, for the
first time, that his face was bruised.
How did you get hurt?" she asked.
Why" said Sidney, hesitating, Il
had to fight to get the cat away"
From whom?"
From John Hodges"
Hes bad boy and a disgrace 10 the
town, and you're brave fellow. Come
in, and | will give yol bowl Of water
TO wash your face"
BY the time Sidney had done this,
Miss Hill brought in savory mince
pie and set il on the table.
Wont you take II piece OF my pieP"
she said, graciously.
The pie looked so attractive that
Sidney accepted, without hesitation.
Miss Hill. usually so frosty, actually
| looked quite hOspitable Sidney.