Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1891-01-02


OF the many curious classes Of charities
in the vicinity of this city, the ferryboat
fakirs come very near being the most in
teresting To the passengers and commu-
ters on the numerous lines of ferries at
both sides of the city they have been
source of amusement for many years.
Probably the most interesting and wei
come character on the boats is an old negro.
He begins operations with the rush of
traffic at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
He takes a seat in the rear of the mems
cabin, and just after the boat starts he
walks into the passageway between the
two cabins and begins to whistle, very
softly at first, "The Mocking Bird" With
out single break he finishes the air, a
marvel of sweetness and simplicity. Then
he begins it again. This time little louder
and with variations.
Old men put down their papers and lis
ten intently; the conversation becomes
subdued and then ceases; the boys leave
their seats and stand at the entrance to the
passageway, but the old darby never stops,
and all the time his wonderful exertion is
becoming more and more melodious
Finally he launches off into series of
sweet toned notes, and a look of mingled
interest and admiration steals over the
faces of all within hearing distance. Then
he drops back into the air again and the
tune is finished very softly.
APPEALS TO WOMEN.
The old negro then walks to the end
of the cabin and, holding his hat out, bows
low and passes around the seats, all the
time whstling some lively little tune, in
terspersed with melo1ious variations. The
nickels, dimes and pennies rattle an accom-
paniment to his music and his nightly col
lections vary from Sc to Sl2. On Sunday
nights he can be seen on the boats running
from Cortlandt street, and then he selects
the ladies' side of the boat Standing under
one of the chandeliers, with his hat in his
hand, he whistles Nearer, Ny God, to
Thee" and repeats it with variations All
of his selections on Sunday nights are pop
ulnr l. INNS, and for his sweet and soulful
rendition of them he is well repaid
Lately the attention of the passengers
has been attracted by deformed boy, who
works upon the different lines from early
morning until late at night His entire
left si''e is paralyzed, shortening his leg
nn1 drawing up his arm. The side of his
face is also affected His clothing is poor
and scnnty.
When the boat is we'll out in the river
the BOY enters the forward door OF the
ladys CABIN ana stands Tor moment at
the threshold, apparently uncertain what
to DO Thcn hrtakes from an inside pocket
OF MS coat Two ieHu penclls, sharpeneu ana
provided with ruboers. Holding these in
his per. POI; h"ll he limns slowly around in
front "i Hr r .,,, p"aoihS moment be
iort t'ah passenger, mutely asking them
80 ilN
| ., - f.ff II, anft II il a nd n,,r
.ii"" @l.. i."' are dropped into his hand.
.'i''' a. g. - ten passengers refuse
i' icy have given him aims, but
81, '.' j. tt:.h ne continues his Journey
..o 49,, t-r manning one out for sale.
II ~ too BE- .."r- to he taken the little
'oll ~ dive, town and brings out two
more from bis inside pocket The little
scheme succeed admirably, ana he does
/ =. dispose o. more t-an four or five pen
ell, cay ihe boy Is professional be9gar
ana under the eyes and training OF his
lather
AlliLhllC fEAis
Among the most interesting characters
are two bro' hers between the ages OF IA
and IL years. AS soon as the boat Is well
/ on It's trip they appear at one end or the
cabin and one of them, taking of his hat
says
Gentlemen, if you have not got any OBJ
jections we would like to entertain you for
few moments. Although we make our
living this way we only ask for what you
think we are worth.
Both bow, and with quick movement
the younger lad puts his foot in his broth
ers hand and Is thrown high into the air
Turning back somersault he lands on his
feet ON the moor Plcklng himself quickly