He went to
the Grammar School and what he didn't learn at School he learned
in Back Alleys and Box Cars. However, his Parents were happy in the
Knowledge that he was beyond the influence of the gaudy Play House,
the gilded Buffet and the seductive Dancing Academy. He was out
where nothing happened unless the Boys started it themselves. So they
started it.
When he was twenty he was sent to the City, an extra fine Specimen of
what the Small Town can produce. He had his Hair combed down into his
Eyes. He wore a punky little Derby, about two sizes too small. The
turn-down Collar was four inches high, and he wore a navy-blue Cravat
with a copper Butterfly for a Scarf-Pin. Furthermore, he had a Suit of
Clothes that was intended for a gentle Brakeman. On his Lapel he had a
Button Photograph of the Girl who worked in the Millinery Store.
"Are you made up for a Masquerade or is this the regular Costume?"
asked his Father.
"'Go 'Way Back and Set Down,'" replied Art, for he knew his Village
Repartee and was on to all of last year's Gags.
"What do you propose to do for yourself?" asked Mr. Tibbetts.
"I want to travel with a Circus or Minstrel Troupe and I don't much
care which," replied Art.
As the Boy appeared to be somewhat Lumpy about the Pockets, his Father
threw him down and searched him, finding on his Person, a $2 Revolver,
a Package of Cigaroots, a 1-lb. Plug of Tobacco, a Deck of Playing
Cards, a Copy of "Old Sleuth" and a Pair of Brass Knucks.
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