New-York tribune., 1920-09-04
Boy, IL, Slain
AS Two|Cangs'
Clash i'm Woods
William Berrigan Dies From
Revolver Wound i'm Head;
Assailant Hel Id as a
Juvenile Delinquent
Nepperhans' Use Stones
SAw, Who's Afraid of an Old
Pistol?' Cries Victim Be-
fore Shot Is Fire


noon by Frank Ostrofsky. twelve years
old, whom William and his gang" were
pestering. The shooting took place in
a patch Of woods near Yonkers, where
both boys lived. William died from his
wound in st. Johns Riverside Hospi-
tai, and Frank was locked up as .
Juvenile delinquent.
Young Ostrofsky lives at 423 Walnut
Street. Several days ago he found
revolver, and as soon as he could raise
the money he bought 100 cartridges
and cartridge belt to give power and
pomp to the weapon. 1t was his vague
intention to make the "Nepperhans,"
as he called the Berrigan boyst and
others living on Nepperhan Avenue or
near by, let him alone.
He had no intention Of seeking
trouble, however: the mere possession
of the shiny. smoothly ly-working pistol
old. 1t was a JOY that was doubled
when he was able to display the re-
volver in confidence to mis- fellows,
however, and so yesterday he invited
his cousins. John Bynicki, twelve years
old, and Raymond, ten, of 20 Centre
Street, to go hunting with him.
Sister in Role of Hunting Dog
Franks three-year-old sister had to
go along, of course, because he was
"minding" her, but she went incognito,
and at best was to play only the role
of hunting dog. In the depths of the
woods where moose or bear or lions
might be encountered at any moment
Frank displayed his treasure, and his
%NII Hx1
about him to gaze upon it with awe
and reverence.
For the first time thye realized that
there was sound basis for the magnif-
cent bravado with which Frank had
proposed the hunting excursion, re-
gardless of raiding "Nepperhans" and
for the air of mystery with which he
had invested the expedition. John and
Raymond were allowed to handle the
weapon under the expert supervision
of the chief huntsman, but "sister"
was rebuked sternly when she at
tempted to do so and was reminded
that she was the dog.
"Nepperhans" Are Located
sudden cessation of her petulant
wailing, reiteration of the statement:
Don't want to wag my tall" aroused
the hunters to the possibility that isis
ever. She had discovered the "Nepper-
hans" skirmishing in the adjacent un-
derbrush and was as rigid as the faith
full pointer she was supposed to i'm
personate.
The hunters exchanged glances of in
voluntary apprehension. The "Nep-
perhans" were out in force. Besides
the redoubtable William there were his
brothers, Joseph and John, and John
Hickey, Arthur Warren, George Watson
and Raymond Trask, the latter being
thirteen years old and host in him
self.
Franks confidence in his weapon be-
gan to ooze away at sight of them.
He looked about him for a way OF re-
treat. The enemy was between him and
the Rumsey Road, which led HON eward,
however, and the woods, lately full of
cheerful sunshine, seemed suddenly
somber and threatening. Frank de-
cided to lie low until opportunity of
fered to make break for the road and
signaled to the rest Of the hunting
party to take cover.
Sighted by tho Foe
Their movements were sighted by the
shouts and began to gather stones
apace. Soon the missiles were patter-
ing thick and fast about the hunters,
and Franks cousins turned reproach-
full eyes upon him. Franks grasp closed
on the butt Of the revolver. If he
failed to impress his superiority upon
the "Nepperhans" now when he had the
means in his hands he felt that he
never would do SO.
He rose from his covert, the revolver
levelled in his hand.
"You better look out!" he called,
fourishing it the more desperately be-
cause of the quaver that crept into his
voice.
There was a moment Of dismayed
silence among the "Nepperhans," some
of whom began to move uncertainty
away.
"Aw, who's afraid Of old pistol!"
shouted William Berrigan, the first
to recover his poise. "'Taint loaded
anyhow"
That's all you know about it,"
shrilled Frank, closing both eyes and
pulling the trigger.
When he opened them the moke
had blown away and William lay still
on the ground. Frank flung aside
pistol and cartridge belt, snatched up
"sister" and ran down Rlmsey Road
for home. 1t was there that the police
found him.