New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-08-28
'RA|NCHECK BITES L|COR|CE
Birthday Party Guest, Angered,
Samples Hosts Cheek.
PUTS MORSEL IN POCKET
Police Fight Hard to Force
Giant to Surrender Missing
Piece of Flesh.


IL has always been the rule that rain
checks shall be good in stormy weather.
and that in clear weather they shall be no
good This is time-honored custom, and
up TO last night there arose no question as
to the wisdom of the practice. But last
night-that's a different story.
Twenty-seven years ago, in Bohemia,
Peter Licorice was born Peter was much
like other boys in his little town, despite
the sweet sickness Of his last name. He
grew TO manhood. came to this country
and developed himself into a first class
laborer he was prosperous and happy. He
has a wife and three little Licorice
sticks" some persons have called them.
Yesterday was Peters birthday. and be-
cause he felt az peace with all the world
and wished 10 greet again all his friends
from old Bohemia. Peter held birthday
party. The celebration began at an early
hour n the forenoon. and the viands and
the rich wines OF Bohemia were every
where at hand in Teter's little home on
the third floor Of No. 263 Stanton street.
A tall man was one of the early arrivals
at Peters party He was huge of frame
and expansive Of smile, and Peter. from
his feet 3 OF stature. ran forward ana
held out his hands in greeting to his old
friend He had known the giant in 30
hemia: had seen the boy Of his own size
shoot up like a beanstalk and widen out
like one Of the oaks in the neiehborng
forest And the two came to America to-
gether. the big man always taking the
small mans part when troubles and dis
putes arose. Peter was very fond Of his
countryman.
"Day from Old Bohemia
"Ah. dear Charles. dear Raincheck," he
piped: 80 glad I am TO see YOU again!
You must have some Of the home wines
and YOU must meet the woman and the
three little Licorices 1t is day from ola
Bohemia. We will enjoy this night.
So Charles Raincheck was led away TO
the loaded festal board to imbibe of the
juice Of the grape from the fatherland ana
TO talk over old associations with the
nrettv wife OF little Peter Everything went
swimmingly, actually and hgurativey'
Charles was the guest OF honor; he It was
TO whom all the other guests paused TO lis
ten when he would raise his great voice in
song. He II was who would be surrounded
by group of admiring country&en wnen-
ever he consented to recount ~ youthlul
| exploits in Bohemas sunny fields.
! And little Peter I.icorice was exceeding
proud Of his great friend. He 1t was VINO
ever stood beside the giant. beaming up
| into his face with kindly smile or drinking
in the story OF Rainchecks deeds with
widened eyes and tense ear. Charles Ram
check was the lion of the day, and that was
/ as Peter wished.
Even giant can absorb enough Of fiery
wine to feel the effect. Even Charles Ram
checks mighty limbs began to sag ana
sway under the influence Of the insidious
tuic4 f the grape. His speech became thlck
and his head swan. Charles Raincheck was
drunk-drunk with his social success ana
with Bohemias wines.
Little Peter had noticed the gradua
change in his friends manner ana had
secretly exuted that good Charles should so
! enjoy the offering from the Licorice lam
! ny's wine cellar 1t was only when ne at
! terpted 10 whisper a choice piece of Bone
nian gossip IN Rainchecks ear that things
began TO happen.
| Charles was in the midst OF a lusty folk
song when Peter nudged him In the ribs
TIE giant put out hand and Peter
| landed across the room. When he again
gained Charles's side he was angry and
chided the big man.
Bites Out Piece Of Cheek
While men and women wondered and
screamed at the sight, Raincheck seized
| Lcorice b. the neck as another man
would grasp an ear Of corn preparatory
to sinking his teeth in the succulent ear
only Charles sank his teeth in Peters right
cheek until his teeth met.
When Raincheck withdrew his incisors
piece Of flesh the size OF half dollar came
with them. At the same instant Licorice
| became aware that he was minus the same
amount Of good. firm flesh from his cheek.
Amid the storm of protest that Rain
| checks act had caused In the Licorice
/ APARTMENTS the giant mouthed the bit OF
| check tentatively. as a boy does a piece
Of candy before swallowing i. then he
| reached a finger into his mouth, distracted
the bit OF cheek and put 1t in his hip
pocket. When the patrolrnan and an am
/ buance surgeon from Bellevue Hospital
arrived In the Licorice home they found
| Peter weak from loss Of blod. The sur
/ eeon dressed the wound and then asked
/ Peter for the bit OF cheek that 1t might
/ he grated on again. Between his sobs.
! Peter pointed 10 Charles and said the
missing piece repcsed in the giants
rocket.
! Raincheck sterny refused to hand over
! the Iicorice cheek. and when the patrol
man and others attempted to take 1t by
! force he put up stubborn battle. Mum
bers prevailed, however, and finally
| Charles lay supine on the floor while the
| surgeon reached around and took the piece
OF check from Charles's pocket IT was