THE REAL DIARY OF A REAL BOY

BY HENRY A. SHUTE



INTRODUCTION

In the winter of 1901-02, while rummaging an old closet in the
shed-chamber of my father's house, I unearthed a salt-box which had
been equipped with leather hinges at the expense of considerable
ingenuity, and at a very remote period. In addition to this, a hasp
of the same material, firmly fastened by carpet-tacks and a catch of
bent wire, bade defiance to burglars, midnight marauders, and
safe-breakers.

With the aid of a tack-hammer the combination was readily solved,
and an eager examination of the contents of the box disclosed: --

1. Fish-line of braided shoemaker's thread, with perch hook, to
which adhered the mummied remains of a worm that lived and
flourished many, many years ago.

2. Popgun of pith elder and hoop-skirt wire.

3. Horse-chestnut bolas, calculated to revolve in opposite
directions with great velocity, by an up-and-down motion of the
holder's wrist; also extensively used for the adornment of
telegraph-wires, --there were no telephones in those days, --and
the cause of great profanity amongst linemen.