Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-05-18
TOLD ABOUT TOWN.

4 Feline Outcast Given Shelter-Other In-
eidents.
1t was midnight and the down
pouring torrents beat necessarily
against the little switch ehauty in
the Rock Island yards at the foot OF
Thirty-eighth street. William Stroll
meir and his assistants we're resting
peacefully beneath the little roof,
there being nothing to do. Present
ly scratching was heard by Will
liam, on the side of the shan
ty. A feline moonshiner was
perched on the sill of the up
raised window. Bill recognized
the cat as "Nigger Nell," once
the pet of the red shanty tribe, but
who for many moons had been miss
ing. The feline asked to be taken
back and Bill gave an affirmative sig
nal. With that the kitten strolled
over in the green across the street.
In a few minutes she was again
perched in the window carrying two
infants, which were tenderly cared
for by Bill. Two more trips were
made and a half dozen little ones
we're given shelter. Bill aroused the
crew and a season of general rejoic-
ing at Nell's return and her increase
in family followed. Strohmeir says
it's q case of feline infelicity. She
had numerous admirers, and it is
supposed one night eloped, only to be
deserted with a helpless family. They
say "Nigger Nell" will never leave
the wigwam again.
Cigarette Victim.
With three-buttoned vest, a red
necktie hanging lengthwise of his
starched bosom, and cigarette
chucked between his teeth. appar-
emily a Uniformed gambler or one
inclined to make an impression of
that tendency, a certain young man,
once the pride of his employer and
friends. can be seen almost any after
noon lettering about the prominent
thoroughfares,a worthless individual.
But as his years are not numerous,
he will probably yet redeem him self.
He has committed no crime, but his
premature inclinations to pose as a
gay lothario interfered with his
duties severely, and he was so
successful in his new role that
it required and gained the most
If his time. While serving in
bis last position he gradually be-
came careless in attending to his
duties. a chubby-faced girl being
| his ideal of attraction, and ii
was necessary to give up his situa-
ton upon request, although not
until all arguments to have him dis
continue his folly had proved fulfil.
A bright-eyed little fellow. he CON-
menced to earn his livelihood few
years ago as an elevator boy. Being
naturally smart, quick-witted and
obliging. he soon became a favorite
of those who had occasion to ride
with him in the iron cage. The
ladies. too, cast their smiles of ad-
miration on this accommodating
voungster. who had not vet awak-
ened to a realization of the favori-
tism being showered upon him. But
as time rolled by he began to feel
his importance. Then his several
companions used to copgregate even
ings about his headquarters. They
smoked cigarettes, and it wasn't long
before the youthful elevator tender
had drifted into the fiendish habit
Elephant conduct and staying
out evenings followed. But he
was not yet bad boy
a more lucrative and important po
sition was vacant in a neighborins
business place, and having the bene
lit of acquaintance, and being o.
an energetic nature and anxious fol-
an advancement, he made applica
ton and was accepted. For a time
he was infatuated with his new posi-
ton, and was ever willing to dis
patch anything additional. He still
tcontinued his evening carousing, anC
as moons waned he became more en-.
lightened on the so-called enjoyment
of seeking the association of tn,
street walkers Of the opposite sex
Nothing but a mere boy, yet h
found one who encouraged him il
his maynard tendencies. He would
receive an occasional visit from hi.
friend during working hours. Thi
would take up considerable OF hi
time, but it was tolerated. Grad
ually the chubby-faced girl repeated
her calls at more frequent intervals
She would loiter about the offic,
where he was employed until closing
up time, and then corrall him
This went on and soon he becam
careless to his duties. and intoxicate,
by his juvenile charmer's smiles
he lost all sense of promptness an
alc-tness. which characterized hi
former responsibilities. This cos
him a good position, and ever sine
he has been worthless, loafing aroun'
the streets ambitionless. But Their
are others. This is a friendly ii
to youngsters Of the consequences Q
sporty inclinations.