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.

 4. More fish-hooks of the ring variety, now obsolete.

 5. One blood alley, two chinees, a parti-colored glass agate,
 three pewees, and unnumbered drab-colored marbles.

 6. Small bow of whalebone, with two arrows.

7. Six-inch bean-blower, for school use—a weapon of considerable
 range and great precision when used with judgment behind a
Guyot's Common School Geography.

 8. Unexpended ammunition for same, consisting of putty pellets.


 9. Frog's hind leg, extra dry.

10. Wing of bluejay, very ditto.

11. Letter from "Beany," postmarked "Biddeford, Me." and expressing
 great indignation because "Pewt" "hasent wrote."

 12. Copy-book inscribed "Diry."
 The examination of this copy-book lasted the rest of the day, and it was
read with the peculiar pleasure one experiences in reviewing some of the
  events of a happy boyhood.


With the earnest hope that others may experience a little of the
 pleasure I gained from the reading, I submit the "Diry" to the public.

 HENRY A. SHUTE.
 EXETER, N. H. Sept. 23, 1902.