The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1907-08-24
NATURE TAKING
At TEOOY'S HOME
A VENTRILOQUIAL COBBLBR CIV
Els THE PRESIDENTS SECRE
TARY SOME SURPRISES.

OYSTER BAY, N. Y, August q
The village has had it's share of
freaks and nature takers, but the lat
est is a cobbler on East Main street
who can initiate the cries of animals
so realistically that John Burroughs
or President Roosevelt themselves
would be deceived. The cobbler is
Tom Scruggs, who moved into little
shop directly in the rear of the exc
ctuive Office above Moores grocery
store last week Toms proficiency in
nature taking, while at first matter
of interest and wonder, developed into
nuisance to Secretary Loebs execu-
tive force.
1t was the secretary who first dis
covered the cobblers peculiar talents.
The shoe shop being considerably off
the street, the sounds could not be
heard by the passersby, but they
fioated into the open windows of the
executive office all day, and the noise
was distracting to say the least. Mr..
Loeb was sitting at his desk one day
when he heard peculiar cry as of
dog in distress. He went to the win
dow, but could see nothing, and few
minutes later the sound was succeed
ed by particularly vituperative par
rot. The secretary knitted his brows
in annoyance and called to one of the
clerks to close the window. 1t be-
ing hot day, however the window
had to be reopened. Then several
birds began to sing. That wasn't so
bad, as the sylvan sounds had
soothing effect. But when a tomcat
began to yowl the secretary threw
his pen down in disgust.
"A menagerie must have come to
town" he muttered savagely, but
don't know why it should camp direct
ly under our window" The secretary
grew more interested, however, when
he found it impossible to locate the
sounds. They came from directly I'M
der the office window, but whenever
he looked into the yard it was alb
solutely vacant. The thing took on
an uncanny aspect, and the Office force
began to get nervous.
There's a wolf out there or l will
eat my hat" said Assistant Secretary
Latta positively.
I've heard hyenas," remarked Chief
Stenographer McGrew, and I'll bet
watermelon that there's one down in
the yard there somewhere. You can't
fool me when it comes to wild ami
mails"
There certainly are a dog, a cat,
parrot and several BIRDS" added Will
liam Dulaney. "A circus must have
struck town.
Just then a rooster began to crow
Justify.
The wonder is said Mr.. Loeb,
that they should camp out here in
stead of in the vacant lot near the
station.
For a time everything was quiet,
but soon dog began to bark furious
ly, and then the weird boot of an owl
broke the stiffness. This was an
swered by the clucking of innumera-
BILE hens, and then a lot of pigeons
the Presidents secretary. He put on
his hat and went downstairs to in
vestigate. After a half hours search
he returned, perspiring and nervous.
Il can't find dog-goned thing" he
announced. IF this keeps up I'm go
ing to move back into the woods
somewhere. If We can't find quiet
ness in Oyster Bay, where shall we
find it,"
Just then the long, sonorous low OF
COW smote the air and a horse be-
gan to whinny. In few minutes a
sheeps's bleat came through the win
dow, and that settled it.
I'm going to find that noise or re-
sign" said Mr.. Loeb, with finality
Let's organize a hunt" suggested
some one, so all the force went down
stairs. After a long search, guided
by occasional sounds of wild and tame
beasts, the hunters came upon Tom
Scruggs sitting peacefully on his
bench in his cobbler shop.
Have you got any wild animals in
here?" asked one of the clerks.
Tom chuckled quietly to himself
and then uttered a quick warning
Right at his ear the clerk heard the
ominous hiss of snake. He jumped
about four feet and then looked
around cautiously. The cobbler was
still grinning and the jig was up.
When the force closed in on him he
admitted the strange noises, and he
added that he practiced the art to
while away the time. Long practice
had made him extremely proficient,
but when he heard that his little
diversion was giving annoyance he
promised to cut it out
Force of habit is strong with Tom,
however, and every little while he
forgets himself and let's out a howl
The executive force has gone back
to work, and If the cobbler does not
keep the peace Constable Townsend
will be asked TO find a way to make
him.