Tombstone epitaph., 1915-03-14


 toNn was at once abrupt and novel. Why he came. when he came, or how he came. we boys never knew. My first remembrance 0: him is o. his sudden appearance in the midst of a game of Ant 'ny-over," in which a dozen boys besides myself were most enthusiastically engaged The scene of the exciting contest was the center cf the main street of the town. the elevation over which we tossed the ball being the skeleton remains of grand triumphal arch, left as a sort CT cadaverous reminder of some re cent political demonstration. Although recall the boys external appearance upon that occasion with some vague ness, vividly remember that his trousers were much too large and long. and that his heavy. Tapping coat was buttonless. and very badly worn and damaged al the sleeves and el, bows. remember too. with even more distinctness, the hat he wore: it was high silk. bell-crowned hat-a mans hat and a veritable plug not new and shiny plug" by any means, but still of dignity and gloss enough to furnish a noticeable con trast to the other appurtenances of it's wearer's wardrobe. In fact, it was through this latter article of dress that the general attention of the crowd came at last to be drawn par ticularly to its unfortunate possessor who, evidently directed by an old-time instinct had mechanically thrust the inverted "castor" under a falling ball and the ball. being made of yarn wrapped tightly over a green walnut and dropping from an uncommon height. had gone through the hat like a round shot
 Naturally enough much merriment was occasioned by the singular mis- hap. and the victim of the odd occur renee seemed himself inclined to jcin in the boisterOus laughter and make the most Of his ridiculous misfortune. He. pulled the hat back over lis tousled head and with the Tapping crown of it still clinging by enc frayed hinge, he capered through a gro tesquely executed jig that made the clamorous crowd about him howl again.
 'Wo, what hat" cried Billy Kin Zey, derisiveiy. and with palpably raneorous twinge Of envy in his heart ; for Billy was the bad boy of our town. and would doubtless have enjoyed the strange boys sudden notoriety in thus being able to convert disaster into positive fun. "Wo, what hat," reiterated Billy. making a feint to knock it from the boys head as the capering figure pirouetted past him.
 The boys eye caught the motion. and he whirled suddenly in a back ward course and danced past his re- viler again, this time much nearer than before. Better try it." he said. in q low. half-lauEhing tone that no one heard but Billy and myself He was out of range in an instant, still laugh. ing as he went.
 "Durn him" said Billy. with sti'ing anger. elutching his fist and leaving one knuckie protruding in a very wicked-looking manner. Durn him, He better not sass me, He's afeared to come past here ag'in and say that, I'll knock his durn ole stCve-pipe in the middle Q mex week."
 You will hey?~ queried rerolv- ing voice. as the boy twirled past sgain-this time so near that Billy felt his taunting breath blown in his face
 Yes. will. hey,'" said Billy. vi. ciousIy: and with a side-sweeping. rat-handed lick that sounded like striking a rusty sheet of tin, the crownless plug vent spinning into the gutter. while. as suddenly. the assaulted little stranger. with pc cuIiarly pailid smile about his lips and an electric glitter in his eye. adroitly flung his left hand forward. smjtinr his insuIter such a blow in the region Of the brow that the un- yuarded rf1iv vent tumbling back ward his piacky assailant prancing wildly around bis pr1strate form.
 -Oh, come and see me-" snarled the strange boy. in contemptuous tone, cooking his fists up in scientific manner. and dropping into stoop' sbouldered sWaEger that would have driven envy into the heart of bully ing mack dr,ver Cit the bloke on his pins," he sneered. turning to the crowe. ~S pose I'm goin to hit a man wen ae's do~ne
 gut his ants gonist needed no such assistance Stung with his, unlocked ,o, doxnfsil. bleeding from the first b,ow ever given him by mortal boy and goaded 10 absolute frenzy by the ,aunts of ms swaggering enemy. Bill, sprane to his feet and momen ,ster had succeeded in closing win fht