The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-10-04
" TAKE DAT, DEM"

himself to his friend when he was ar
rested and not little startled by an
angry voice.
Here it is-(NIr. Crane in shirt sleeves,
walking gingerly around punching
bag and cycling it with the grim resolu-
tion Of meat ax)-"What's that?"
The bag swayed gently to the pres
sure of the breeze, and Billy jumped
lightly to one side, as if to avoid blow.
"Now look a-here, young teller, +
don't propose to take any of your
back"
You don't give err what2"
At this point Mr.. Murphy stuffed
his neglige hat down his throat to pre-
vent an explosion.
An addition of life to the breeze gave
the ball a quicker motion. This hap
pened as Mr.. Crane was about turning
on his heel.
AS quick as flash he was on guard
"a pretty, graceful one. too, perfect
counterpart of Jack McAuliffe's.
20, no, SO you would; you'd try to get
one in on the old man while his back
was turned; you're nice duck, you are.
What!lv
Bing-
you'd knock my whiskers off and
spoil future frolics of the zephyrs,
would you"
Bing, bing-
you're dead funny, you are; you put
me in mind of friend of mine who
mistools the gravy pitcher for the one
containing the cream, spoiled his coffee,
and told the waiter the milk was sour {"
by this time the ball was flying
around like chain shot on a mission
of death. The perspiration was doing
steeplcchase down Billy's sunburnt
face, and he was blowing like black
smiths bellows.
After moments sparring to gain
rest and supply of wind, the fun be-
gan anew.
Mr. Crane (affecting the vocabulary
of the "dees. dem and dose" fraternity
SO you'd swipe me in d ta-roat,
would you? You'd trow me down an
plant daisies on me bloomin' chest.
would you? Well, Chawley, I'm in this
picnic to stay, see? The last Teller I
hit had to have his face amputated; an
if you stay with me long. there'll be an
other new harp player on the other
shore"
This outburst was followed by O
smashing left-hander, then right and
left in quick and terrific succession.
The returns of the ball were deftly
lodged by the actor, who showed mar
velous agility.
"a man in Oshkosh insulted me one
day just rs you have done, my boy, and
there was funeral in that town twelve
hours after; SO you"
Ills? Of course twas his; DIVER
think he'd be bound for a wedding after
I'd hit him?"
The ball swayed and twisted itself in
a way that seemed to say: 81 don't be-
lieve YOU, don't believe you, I'd
Take that, then, an that, an that.
Now I'll show you move that Uar-
ry Leslie put me on to. He once tried
it on New Hampshire man who threat
ened to swat him.
THAT SO? Course that's so.
"And they offered to give him n dc.
serted farm If he'd become a citizen OF
that state and fight Sullivan.
YOU'RE on to me? Well, I'm after
you," and with this Billy fcinted with
his left, sent the right full on the
lcathern face of the ball, and got away
without being touched.
He next assayed nm upper cut, but
missed, and the bag landed flush on his
mouth. with n noise like that of a
bass drum.
This seemed to cnragc him. He
walked around the ball with a look OF
supreme contempt, eyed it rcnectively
and said:
I'll see You later, old man; Murphy
might catch me at this"
"A Year and :, DAY."