The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-11-07
SPRINGER'S MAN OF THE SEA.

OFRlNUEK > MAN UF lHE OEH.
The spectacle of an unequal contest is
not always a pleasing sight in the eyes
of the audience. The admiration one feels
for the superior skill of the victor is often
lost sight of in the sympathy accorded the
vanquished. Just so, Springer has all along
had the coincidence of all who have recog-
nized the great difficulties under which he
has labored. He is not a person with whom
at first sight. you would associate the idea
of humiliation, and it is all the more re-
markable when you have seen the miserable
person who has Springer so thoroughly
within his power. If Springer is questioned
about his relations with this person. he
will even attempt to be jocular in his ex-
plantations, but it is in much the same man
ner that helpless fly stares a spider in
the face and endeavors to buzz cheerfully,
while preparations are being made for his
execution. In appearance this dictator gem
eral is not at all ferocious looking, nor even
of commanding presence; on the contrary.
he is of medium stature with a sickly
fringe Of dust-colored whiskers about his
pasty face; he wears a hat that was white
once, many years ago, which he creases
into sort of terrace, that lends a jaunty
effect to the whole. He is ever sucking at
the stem of forbidding- looking pipe, from
whose blackened crater there exudes an
odor that makes you think of the pound
packages sold by the corner grocery. His
name is Coy.
In an evil moment, softened by the suf-
fering in the fellows face Springer loaned
him a dime, he never expected to have it
repaid, in fact, he gave it because he did
not have time to argue the question with
him. Coy insisted with ELUSIVE gratitude
that he should have it back again, but
Springer never dreamed that he meant
what he said. He supposed it was merely
superficial statement. A little later he re-
turned with the information that there was
a certain job of work at Springer's house
that needed doing. This job had already
been done before by several other people.
but Coy felt that he ought not be discrim-
mated against On the strength of this work
he got a slight advance to buy bread This
was sensible request, and one Of course
that Springer could not well refuse. Had
he wanted the sum for cream tarts or any
thing like that Springer would have re-
belled. Since that unlucky time Springer
has been kept busy furnishing things for
Coy to do to keep even on advances. First
it was to clean the gutter ANY
body who has a gutter knows that
it is of no use except to clean.
When he had calculated the contract price
and obtained an estimate for bread he
came over with all the little Coys and sat
in the shade, while the eldest performed the
labor. When Springer went home to sup
per they were flushing the street with the
new hose. On being severely Intercepted
as to why they were using the same with
out his permission, they replied that it
was to soften the ground, preparatory to
excavation. This explanation was eminent
~ satisfactory. Then, while negotiations
were pending for moving the lawn he
cheerfully requested a slight loan. Soon
after it was discovered that he was using
Springers lawn mower on Jagsley's yard
who lives next door. When demonstrated
with he evened up matters by using Jags-
ley's mower on Springer's yard, at the next
operation. Presently the chicken park
fence needed repairing, and that gave him
an excuse for borrowing enough to bread
him over night.
When every other resort fails, there is
the iron fence. He has painted it already
six times this summer The fence is ac-
tually larger than it used to be, so persist
emily has it been coated. Whenever Gov
finds anything to do he brings along his
descendants, even into the third generation.
These grimy individuals insist on fraterniz-
ing with the young Springers. They mo-
nopolize the toys, they ride the tricycle. to
the exclusion OF its owner, they pick up
everything portable on the grounds. and
worry the dog nearly TO DEATH while the
children are kept vociferating a constant
prolonged howl of protest, that theatens to
drive the distracted mother to the padded
cell. Springer is aware of all this, but is
too weak to resist Coy will come into the
Office and relax on to a desk with prodig-
ious sigh. The victim usually escapes into
the back office at the first alarm from with
out, and will attempt to drown his sorrows
in work. but he cannot thrust from his mind
the patient visitor in the outer room. He
realizes with resigned sorrow that Coy is
simply waiting, catlike. until his prey comes
from out the hole. At last the suspense
becomes unbearable. Springer sallies forth
with a ferceness that bodies no good to his
tcrmentor Coy coughs alphabetically and
gives him a discretionary glance from his
watery eyes. 1t then becomes a question
with the besieged how cheaply his liberty
can be purchased.
Springer has thought of several schemes
TO outwit his inquisitor. but time proved
their impracticability. First, he hired an
office boy who was paid an exorbitant sal
airy to lie about Springer's whereabouts
This forced Coy to meet him on the street
which he did with annoying frequency
Then he took to riding bicycle, scorching
past the usual haunts of Coy, at a rate of
speed that precluded a hold-up. This made
it necessary for Coy to visit him at home
He is now engaged in painting Springer's
roof. After that he MAY want new house
built, or something like that In all that
time he has never varied from his story
he uses the same cough, and ends up with
a longing for bread. Springer has not quite
decided in his mind whether the man is
monomaniac on bread, or whether he,
Springer, is only one of many He cannot
help but wonder who furnishes the vegeta-
bles, and thanks himself with grim salts
faction that he Is not the meat" man.