Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-13
JOHN KINGPIN.
By Gabrielle Z. Jackson author Of Gaps and
Capers," &c.

By Gabrielle E. Jackson, author of ''Caps and
Capers," &c.
tCopyright.)
Now I going to tell you story about
fire engine horse, and the person who
told 1t to me assured me that 1t was every
bit true. because he had seen the horse do
these things himself. So shall make be-
lieve that / was there and saw it all my
self, and tell the story to you as though
had heard every word spoken upon the
morning / shall tell about. Don't you think
that story seems more real when told in
that way?
Fetch him out. Bill; the old chap will be
getting restless pretty soon II he doesn't
get his BATH called one of the firemen as
he came out of No. IL, the big engine house
on - street. 1t was early forenoon, and
the engine house had just been swept and
washed out with the great hose pipe till
everything was shining and clean as the
prOverbial whistle"
Bill stepped back into the engine house
and going to one of the stalls unfastened
the snaffie which held a large white horse
in his double-ended stall, saying to the
animal as he loosened him:
Hello. John Kingpin! Get along out
there and have your bath"
The horse did not Immediately take ad-
vantage of his freedom but poking out a
velvety muzzle, caught at the sleeve of the
mans shirt, and gave It a playful jerk,
then turned quickly away and pretended
to be much absorbed with the examination
of the post at the other side of his STALL
Now. don't you think that you're mighty
smart?" demanded Bill. turning sharply
about But caught you that time. I've
a good mind not to give it to you at all
now, you re so cheeky and he gave a tug
at the horses fluffy forelock. But a fig
cared John Kingpin for that tug and as
Bill started across the engine house floor
the horse followed close upon his heels. at
every step or two giving the man & gentle
ia "
to little closet at the rear of the build
ing, and took from 1t a big. rosy apple,
then drawing his knife from his pocket he
divided the apple into quarters and fed
them piece by piece to the horse, who took
his own time about disposing of them. AS
the last bit vanished Bill gave him a smart
smack upon his fat neck and cried
Get on now. There isn't another smItch
for you. and you're wanted out yonder''
9. The horse shook his head, then ducking
1t down. gave funny prance and raced for
the open door as hard as he could pet. Out
In front of the building stood a man who
had first spoken. and as the horse tore out
of the engine house he shouted to him:
Now. no funny business, you. I've been
Kept waiting long enough already. Come
on. Next thing you know therell be three
skies, like enough, and then where will you
be at? Black Jack, up to No. 8, will get
first water, and you'll get left! Then where
will your 'kingpin' come in. I'd like to
known
water means to be the first engine to
reach a fire, and the captain of that partic-
ular engine takes command of everything
until the arrival of his superior officer,
either chief of battalion department
chief. Consequently. there is always a ire
mendous competition between the several
companies in certai in district and all take
great pride in being the first to arrive at
fire. Two mines is an alarm which is sent
out in cases Of great urgency and danger,
and summons al the available engines to
the scene. No II had rarely failed to get
first water If the fire was anywhere within
q reasonable distance, and the driver of the
engine gave all the credit to John. the big
white horse which he drove In the span
with Dinah, the blacklist of black mares.
He always said
IF it wern't for John we could never do
1t in the world! But he just smells the fire
and puts for all he's worth. Couldn't keep
him back If 1 wanted to, and Dinah. she's
got to ct right along, too, 1 can tell you!
o, John is kingpin. and don't you forget
it!' And so John came by his name"
The horse paid no attention to the man
who called to him, but went prancing down
the street. with head and tail up in the
air. When he reached the corner he stop
ped short, gave a joyous Whitney turned
sharply about, and with a most hilarious
kick-up cantered back to the engine house
and stopped in front of the man who held
the hose pipe in his hands,
Got half a mind to turn 1t on you full
force" he said. "Cuttin' up such didoes
Now, keep still just five minutes will your
and he proceeded to wash the horse from
head to TAIL letting the cold water flow
from the hose pipe all over him, and at the
same time rubbing him well with his hand.
John Kingpin enjoyed 1t thoroughly for the
morning was a hot one in midsummer, and
the water wonderfully refreshing. Then
came a fine rub down, and no athlete. after
exercise and a plunge, ever felt fresher
than did John Kingpin after his grooming.
Want a drink now?" demanded Tom,
and as he spoke mischievous smile crept
into his eyes. There, help yourself" and
he tossed the hose upon the pavement John
Kingpin stretched out his long neck and
picked up the nozzle in his teeth. fused
with it a minute till he had 1t properly adj
justed in his mouth, and then began to
drink at his leisure. But Tom was minded
to play him a trick for having kept him
waiting. so going over to the hydrant to
which the hose was fastened, he suddenly
turned the water on nearly full force.
Johns surprise and disgust were funny to
witness.
He dropped the hose though it had
stung him, shook his head violently, and
stamped his front foot in anger. Then his
horse mind took In the situation, and rea-
soned out cause and effect a good deal
quicker than Tom gave him credit for be-
ing able to do. AS John dropped the hose
Tom fairly howled with laughter, and slap
ming his hand upon his thigh, turned to
cali in at the door OF the engine house.
Hi! Boys! Come quick and see the fun!
Old Kingpin has got a bigger dose than he
can handle!'
Meanwhile John Kingpin was endeavor-
ing to maintain the honor of his name. and
had now got firm hold of the nozzle OF the
hose pipe and was making the most OF ms
opportunity. This time the nozzle was not
pointed down his own throat, but grasped
f,rmly in his strong teeth. and as Tom and
the other men rushed out of the engine
house. John met them fairly and squarely
with his. hose. and In about one second
thew all looked as though they had been
dipped into the river. Now! Now" he
seemed to say, as he stood there shaking
his head up and down. and deluging every
one within range, How do you like it
yourselves? You will choke me viii with your your
old hose pipe. will you?, All right, take
that and that and thati' and with every
shake some one got fresh soaking. Nor
was it any easy matter to get it away from
him. and before they succeeded in doing
SO a passing trolley car had been thor
oughly drenched, and the passengers well
That was the last prank ever played at
John Kingpins expense, for the men de-