The Globe-republican., 1904-04-21

lhVdtlV, touSSit VI isN'eN> 1890
within miles of this district. Little
wonder the natives turned from their
sQualid homes to the attractions of
the saloon Or dance hall. 10 thought
the superintendent, who believed there
was as much missionary work in Gle
waiting amusements as in prayer meet
ingS. The little chapel was all TOO
small in which to carry out his far
reaching plans, and he longcd for a
peoples palace where the young folks
of the district might benefit by club
rooms, gymnasium-yes, and II dance
hall.
He heard from Jake again before the
entertainment took place. The older
boys who assisted him in his prepaIa-
tlons frankly Informed him that. there
was a plot on foot to "break up the
show Jake Bollter was coming.
Jake was a fighter, He classed the
superintendent as a counter jumper
and the other officers as dudes "wot
he could t'row down wit one hand--de
whole gang t, onct" Still the young
man went on with his work, only tax
ing che precauton to engage a police
man to intimldate marauders who
might seek to disturb the peace OF the
occasion from the outside.
On the ventful night the chapel was
crowded to the doors with pupils, par
ents and friends. The program was a
well arranged one, consisting of music
and reciting, a phonograph and a short
lecture with Views from a stereoptlcon.
There was not too much effort at III
struction, neither was there anything
childish, nor calculated to especially
appeal to undeveloped tastes.
All went well--the program was car
rled out without 4 break, until finally
the room was darkened for the sterc-
opticon exhibition.
The extinguishing of the lights was
evidently the signal for the entrance of
three or four husky young fellows who
persistently elbowed their way into
the crowd standing near the door. They
came in quietly enough, the guard out
side not suspectins their intention of
creating disturbance. But no sooner
had the lecturer begun talking than
there was an outbreak of Kisses, shrill
wllistling and stamping of feet Then
came boisterous outlaws and audible
remarks intended to be facetiOus, but
by no means to be mistaken as compli-
mentary either to the audience or the
entertainers,
Indignant bystanders tried to shame
the offenders into silence. Naturally
this made matters worse. 1t was I'M
possible to lay hands on the rowdies
In the darkness and amid the dense
thrOng Then came scuffling and
shuflling sOunds-evidently rough
and tumble wrestling match was on
the marauders' sideshow program. The
audience surged toward the door,
chairs were overturned, children cried
and there was a call for flights"
Someone touched the button and the
room was aglow with electricity. An
odd scene presented itself. The crowd.
seeing no cause for alarm, scattered
from the doorway, disclosing the young
superintendent in the act of bringing
two low br0wed cranlums together
with a crack which shook the stereop,
ticon apparatus; then with u sharp
push the owners of craniums were
thrust from the door step into the
arms of the policeman who had been
summoned to the rescue. And right
behind the superintendent was another
Of the ''ruStlers' tryingto slink through
the open door. But The young man
with the steel blue eye and square
jaw was too quick for him. Grasping
the youth by the collar he gave him
a hasty Sideward turn and walked him
rapidly to side door that led to I'M
inner room. The spectators saw the
door open and close. Those near by
heard the key turn in the lock. They
wondered that the superintendent
wasn't afraid of such q fierce rascal
as Jake B0ldter. Would he try TO hold
him until the patrol came, or would he
give him a little SundAy-school talk
and let him 90?
Then the lights were turned out and
the show proceeded peacefully 10 a
close.
On the other side of the locked door
stood jake Boldter, sullen and red
faced. The superintendent looked at
him for Il moment with qulzzical and
even amused expression. Then he
spoke and very pleasantly, too.
II wanted you to see our gymnasium,
Jacob. This is the boys club room. |
You know we sent you an invitation to
become a member Of the club. know
you are interested in athletics. Here
is the punching bag, there are the
. 4