Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 September 1901 — HIS GUESTS ALL "SKUN." [ARTICLE]

HIS GUESTS ALL "SKUN."

Johnnie Invited the “Gans” to Hie Birthday Party. A 10-year-old boy, whom it will not harm to call Johnnie Joy, living in Herkimer street, Brooklyn, on his last birthday had a party. It was a party that stands out fresh and sharp in the memories of the entire family. Johnnie’s sister had had birthday parties, where all the girls and boys governed themselves strictly according to the rules of decorum. Johnnie's party was made up entirely of boys living in the Immediate neighborhood. “I just want the ‘gang’ I play with,” said he to his mother, according to the New York Tribune, and the “gang" it was that awkwardly surrounded the table in the basement dining room and looked with gleaming eyes on the bountiful supply of goodies. Noticing their restraint, Johnnie’s mother tactfully withdrew, after noting that there was plenty for every one to eat. She had scarcely reached the floor above before her nerves were thrilled by a terrible commotion below. There was a sound of breaking crockery and glassware, and the Jingle of spoons and knives striking a hard substance. There were excited exclamations and a scurrying of feet outside the basement door. Then suddenly all became silent as the grave. Wonderingly, the mother of Johnnie returned to the dining room, where three minutes before were 12 hungry little boys. The tablecloth and dishes were on the flpor in a heap. Johnnie's head was buried in his arms, and the scalding tears were trickling down his nose. “Why, Johnnie, dear, where are your friends?” asked the mother. "They—they—swi—swiped all all they wuz on-on-the table an’—an’ skun!” said Johnnie, breaking forth into a fresh torrent of tears.