Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-03-15

fist OF Sidney Waite.
"Ill whip you until you can't stand. :"
said he, Infatuated, turning To defend
himself
The other boys gathered about the
two combatants. Al first sight, the
odds seemed To be in favor OF John
Hodges. He was strongly built, and
III least two inches taller than his adj
versary. Sidney, however, was much
quicker in his mtOions. His personal
strength. indeed, was not equal to that
of Hodges, but he knew better how to
direct and use il To advantage.
Now. come on. beloved Hodges:
I'll teach you to interfere in what
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 ready To parry
the blow. The fact was that Sidney
had received some instructions in the
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," ~ 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 off
his guard. Evidently. Hodges found
him harder TO overcome than he antici-
pated. He felt that he was losing his
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, 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"
Never he exclaimed, springing TO
his feet and renewing the contest.
Sidney kept perfectly cool, and this
gave him Il greater advantage. This,
added to the little knowledge he pos
sessed of boxing, was more than sufii-
cient to counterbalance his opponents
superior strength and height.
The second contest was briefer than
the 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.
Nov boys" said Sidney, when
Hodges had left the ground, II hope
you will bear me witness that | didn't
want to fight. | don't like it, | don't
think it is right 10 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 ston-
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
60 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 about quarter
of mile distant She was a 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-
~ 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 it 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 ii,
and looked at him in some surprise.
II am afraid, Miss Hill, your cat is
little hurt. | found some boys stoning
her in the street, and ! brought her
away"
Poor puss,n said the old maid, with
an air OF deep concern. Where is she
hurt?''
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 disgrace TO the
town. and you're brave fellow. Come
in, and will give you bowl of water
to wash your face.
BY the time Sidney had done this,
Miss Hill brought in a savory mince
pie and set il on the table.
Wont you take "a piece OF my pie?'
she said. graciously.
The pie looked 80 attractive that
Sidney accepted, without hesitation.
L L.