The Dickinson press., 1897-04-03

ulScTlulllldtely. AS
a rule, they are libelous or demoraliz-
ing-or both. 1t is not prudent to re-
tail them in the family circle before
visitors of more or less strong re-
ligious convictions.
Happily, the story of "Tatty's" ia
vorite may be told Without fear Of
bringing a blush to the cheek of the
youngest or most foolish person.
Who is he?" was the question peo-
pie asked in wonder, as they and he
went on the course probably with a
common purpose (to "get a Bit" as the
mission is called by those who fol-
low it,; and the reply was invariably
the same, Fatty"
That was was all. Fatty" pure and
simple; this seemed to satisfy public
curiosity. Further interrogation was
considered adventurous, in view of the
startling facts it might reveal. To
look at him was enough. especially
when he was backing losers.
Truly. Fatty" was a remarkable
character, unconventional in his life
and customs, also in his ideas as to
the rights of individuals, so far as per-
sonal property was concerned. What
he wished to have he thought he was
entitled to take, If the owners atten-
lion was diverted; and no man was
cleverer than he in diverting owners
attention when there was anything to
he taken by doing so.
Not a person of high principle, he
could afford to purchase the Injuries
OF the season in sufficient abundance
to crafty his appetite, which was i'm
mense. 10 many persons of the high
est principle such luXuries are nm
known.
When in his best form Fatty" ac-
complished notable feats. His favorite
maneuvers were executed on the race
course. lie was quite at home there,
n moved about. 10th in the ring and
paddock, with immunity from assault.
\ friend told me this story about
Fatty" in confidence-hence 1 pass it
on in the same spirit. We were return
ing from Camptown steeplechases after
a bad day, and were bemoaning our
anaemic condition.
This is no game" l remarked. "for
honest. w%ell-meaning men," and 1
Vainly hunted tor the remnants of a
cheap cigaret which l hoped had not
been thrown away in better times.
Yes, it's a poor game" said my
companion, when one loses ones mon
ey III order to maintain ones rectitude
OF purpose. Now look at Fatty" he
added, after a pause, rather inconse-
quentialiy; you never hear him COM
plain of his lad luck. 1t is those who
have been playing with him who lift
up their voices. He knows very we'll
That luck wouldn't keep him in grease
for his moustache and boots"
But some of us are afraid of prison"
] murmured regretfully.
We'll, just listen to a short account
of what Fatty did the other day. and
then talk-abc"t prisons if you like. OF
course, you know that at one time he
kept a small coffee shop in the east
end OF London, and 10 bets in thou
sands. That denotes the master mind.
lie is called Fatty because of his
stomachic protuberance, not in refer
ence to any other personal %distention.
He looks at you, as it were, from be-
hind a four-bag, especially when wear
ing a white waistcoat, and he talks to
You as though he would fall backwards
il you pushed against it. o, yes! he's
very hot, is Fatty He's had his ups
and downs, and has always faced the
music bravely, whether he'd a shirt on
his back or a scarf round his neck.