ChapterI
　　AverylittleboystooduponaheapofgravelforthehonorofRumAlley。HewasthrowingstonesathowlingurchinsfromDevil’sRowwhowerecirclingmadlyabouttheheapandpeltingathim。
　　Hisinfantilecountenancewaslividwithfury。Hissmallbodywaswrithinginthedeliveryofgreat，crimsonoaths。
　　"Run，Jimmie，run！Dey’llgetyehs，"screamedaretreatingRumAlleychild。
　　"Naw，"respondedJimmiewithavaliantroar，"desemickscan’tmakemerun。"
　　HowlsofrenewedwrathwentupfromDevil’sRowthroats。
　　Tatteredgaminsontherightmadeafuriousassaultonthegravelheap。Ontheirsmall，convulsedfacesthereshonethegrinsoftrueassassins。Astheycharged，theythrewstonesandcursedinshrillchorus。
　　ThelittlechampionofRumAlleystumbledprecipitatelydowntheotherside。Hiscoathadbeentorntoshredsinascuffle，andhishatwasgone。Hehadbruisesontwentypartsofhisbody，andbloodwasdrippingfromacutinhishead。Hiswanfeaturesworealookofatiny，insanedemon。
　　Ontheground，childrenfromDevil’sRowclosedinontheirantagonist。Hecrookedhisleftarmdefensivelyabouthisheadandfoughtwithcursingfury。Thelittleboysrantoandfro，dodging，hurlingstonesandswearinginbarbarictrebles。
　　Fromawindowofanapartmenthousethatupreareditsformfromamidsquat，ignorantstables，thereleanedacuriouswoman。
　　Somelaborers，unloadingascowatadockattheriver，pausedforamomentandregardedthefight。Theengineerofapassivetugboathunglazilytoarailingandwatched。OverontheIsland，awormbuildingandcrawledslowlyalongtheriver’sbank。
　　AstonehadsmashedintoJimmie’smouth。Bloodwasbubblingoverhischinanddownuponhisraggedshirt。Tearsmadefurrowsonhisdirt-stainedcheeks。Histhinlegshadbeguntotrembleandturnweak，causinghissmallbodytoreel。Hisroaringcursesofthefirstpartofthefighthadchangedtoablasphemouschatter。
　　IntheyellsofthewhirlingmobofDevil’sRowchildrentherewerenotesofjoylikesongsoftriumphantsavagery。
　　Thelittleboysseemedtoleergloatinglyatthebloodupontheotherchild’sface。
　　Downtheavenuecameboastfullysaunteringaladofsixteenyears，althoughthechronicsneerofanidealmanhoodalreadysatuponhislips。Hishatwastippedwithanairofchallengeoverhiseye。Betweenhisteeth，acigarstumpwastiltedattheangleofdefiance。Hewalkedwithacertainswingoftheshoulderswhichappalledthetimid。HeglancedoverintothevacantlotinwhichthelittleravingboysfromDevil’sRowseethedabouttheshriekingandtearfulchildfromRumAlley。
　　"Gee！"hemurmuredwithinterest。"Ascrap。Gee！"
　　Hestrodeovertothecursingcircle，swinginghisshouldersinamannerwhichdenotedthatheheldvictoryinhisfists。
　　HeapproachedatthebackofoneofthemostdeeplyengagedoftheDevil’sRowchildren。
　　"Ah，whatdehhell，"hesaid，andsmotethedeeply-engagedoneonthebackofthehead。Thelittleboyfelltothegroundandgaveahoarse，tremendoushowl。Hescrambledtohisfeet，andperceiving，evidently，thesizeofhisassailant，ranquicklyoff，shoutingalarms。TheentireDevil’sRowpartyfollowedhim。
　　Theycametoastandashortdistanceawayandyelledtauntingoathsattheboywiththechronicsneer。Thelatter，momentarily，paidnoattentiontothem。
　　"Whatdehhell，Jimmie？"heaskedofthesmallchampion。
　　Jimmiewipedhisblood-wetfeatureswithhissleeve。
　　"Well，itwasdisway，Pete，see！Iwasgoin’tehlickdatRileykidanddeyallpitchedonme。"
　　SomeRumAlleychildrennowcameforward。ThepartystoodforamomentexchangingvaingloriousremarkswithDevil’sRow。Afewstoneswerethrownatlongdistances，andwordsofchallengepassedbetweensmallwarriors。ThentheRumAlleycontingentturnedslowlyinthedirectionoftheirhomestreet。Theybegantogive，eachtoeach，distortedversionsofthefight。Causesofretreatinparticularcasesweremagnified。Blowsdealtinthefightwereenlargedtocatapultianpower，andstonesthrownwereallegedtohavehurtledwithinfiniteaccuracy。Valorgrewstrongagain，andthelittleboysbegantoswearwithgreatspirit。
　　"Ah，weblokieskinlickdehhulldamnRow，"saidachild，swaggering。
　　LittleJimmiewasstrivingtostanchtheflowofbloodfromhiscutlips。Scowling，heturneduponthespeaker。
　　"Ah，wheredehhellwasyehwhenIwasdoin’alldehfightin？"
　　hedemanded。"Yousekidsmakesmetired。"
　　"Ah，goahn，"repliedtheotherargumentatively。
　　Jimmierepliedwithheavycontempt。"Ah，yousecan’tfight，BlueBillie！Ikinlickyehwidonehan’。"
　　"Ah，goahn，"repliedBillieagain。
　　"Ah，"saidJimmiethreateningly。
　　"Ah，"saidtheotherinthesametone。
　　Theystruckateachother，clinched，androlledoveronthecobblestones。
　　"Smash’im，Jimmie，kickdehdamngutsoutof’im，"yelledPete，theladwiththechronicsneer，intonesofdelight。
　　Thesmallcombatantspoundedandkicked，scratchedandtore。
　　Theybegantoweepandtheircursesstruggledintheirthroatswithsobs。Theotherlittleboysclaspedtheirhandsandwriggledtheirlegsinexcitement。Theyformedabobbingcircleaboutthepair。
　　Atinyspectatorwassuddenlyagitated。
　　"Cheeseit，Jimmie，cheeseit！Herecomesyerfader，"heyelled。
　　Thecircleoflittleboysinstantlyparted。Theydrewawayandwaitedinecstaticaweforthatwhichwasabouttohappen。
　　Thetwolittleboysfightinginthemodesoffourthousandyearsago，didnothearthewarning。
　　Uptheavenuethereploddedslowlyamanwithsulleneyes。
　　Hewascarryingadinnerpailandsmokinganapple-woodpipe。
　　Ashenearedthespotwherethelittleboysstrove，heregardedthemlistlessly。Butsuddenlyheroaredanoathandadvancedupontherollingfighters。
　　"Here，youJim，gitup，now，whileIbeltyerlifeout，youdamneddisorderlybrat。"
　　Hebegantokickintothechaoticmassontheground。TheboyBilliefeltaheavybootstrikehishead。HemadeafuriouseffortanddisentangledhimselffromJimmie。Hetotteredaway，damning。
　　Jimmiearosepainfullyfromthegroundandconfrontinghisfather，begantocursehim。Hisparentkickedhim。"Comehome，now，"hecried，"an’stopyerjawin’，erI’lllamtheeverlastingheadoffyehs。"
　　Theydeparted。Themanpacedplacidlyalongwiththeapple-
　　woodemblemofserenitybetweenhisteeth。Theboyfollowedadozenfeetintherear。Hesworeluridly，forhefeltthatitwasdegradationforonewhoaimedtobesomevaguesoldier，oramanofbloodwithasortofsublimelicense，tobetakenhomebyafather。
　　chapter02
　　ChapterII
　　Eventuallytheyenteredintoadarkregionwhere，fromacareeningbuilding，adozengruesomedoorwaysgaveuploadsofbabiestothestreetandthegutter。Awindofearlyautumnraisedyellowdustfromcobblesandswirleditagainstanhundredwindows。
　　Longstreamersofgarmentsflutteredfromfire-escapes。Inallunhandyplacestherewerebuckets，brooms，ragsandbottles。Inthestreetinfantsplayedorfoughtwithotherinfantsorsatstupidlyinthewayofvehicles。Formidablewomen，withuncombedhairanddisordereddress，gossipedwhileleaningonrailings，orscreamedinfranticquarrels。Witheredpersons，incuriousposturesofsubmissiontosomething，satsmokingpipesinobscurecorners。Athousandodorsofcookingfoodcameforthtothestreet。Thebuildingquiveredandcreakedfromtheweightofhumanitystampingaboutinitsbowels。
　　Asmallraggedgirldraggedared，bawlinginfantalongthecrowdedways。Hewashangingback，baby-like，bracinghiswrinkled，barelegs。
　　Thelittlegirlcriedout："Ah，Tommie，comeahn。
　　Dere’sJimmieandfader。Don’tbea-pullin’meback。"
　　Shejerkedthebaby’sarmimpatiently。Hefellonhisface，roaring。Withasecondjerkshepulledhimtohisfeet，andtheywenton。Withtheobstinacyofhisorder，heprotestedagainstbeingdraggedinachosendirection。Hemadeheroicendeavorstokeeponhislegs，denouncehissisterandconsumeabitoforangepeelingwhichhechewedbetweenthetimesofhisinfantileorations。
　　Asthesullen-eyedman，followedbytheblood-coveredboy，drewnear，thelittlegirlburstintoreproachfulcries。
　　"Ah，Jimmie，yousebinfightin’agin。"
　　Theurchinswelleddisdainfully。
　　"Ah，whatdehhell，Mag。See？"
　　Thelittlegirlupbraidedhim，"Youseallusfightin’，Jimmie，an’yehknowsitputsmudderoutwhenyehscomehomehalfdead，an’it’slikewe’llallgetapoundin’。"
　　Shebegantoweep。Thebabethrewbackhisheadandroaredathisprospects。
　　"Ah，whatdehhell！"criedJimmie。ShutuperI’llsmackyermout’。
　　See？"
　　Ashissistercontinuedherlamentations，hesuddenlysworeandstruckher。Thelittlegirlreeledand，recoveringherself，burstintotearsandquaveringlycursedhim。Assheslowlyretreatedherbrotheradvanceddealinghercuffs。Thefatherheardandturnedabout。
　　"Stopthat，Jim，d’yehhear？Leaveyersisteraloneonthestreet。It’slikeIcanneverbeatanysenseintoyerdamnedwoodenhead。"
　　Theurchinraisedhisvoiceindefiancetohisparentandcontinuedhisattacks。Thebabebawledtremendously，protestingwithgreatviolence。Duringhissister’shastymanoeuvres，hewasdraggedbythearm。
　　Finallytheprocessionplungedintooneofthegruesomedoorways。
　　Theycrawledupdarkstairwaysandalongcold，gloomyhalls。
　　Atlastthefatherpushedopenadoorandtheyenteredalightedroominwhichalargewomanwasrampant。
　　Shestoppedinacareerfromaseethingstovetoapan-coveredtable。
　　Asthefatherandchildrenfiledinshepeeredatthem。
　　"Eh，what？Beenfightin’agin，byGawd！"ShethrewherselfuponJimmie。Theurchintriedtodartbehindtheothersandinthescufflethebabe，Tommie，wasknockeddown。Heprotestedwithhisusualvehemence，becausetheyhadbruisedhistendershinsagainstatableleg。
　　Themother’smassiveshouldersheavedwithanger。Graspingtheurchinbytheneckandshouldersheshookhimuntilherattled。
　　Shedraggedhimtoanunholysink，and，soakingaraginwater，begantoscrubhislaceratedfacewithit。Jimmiescreamedinpainandtriedtotwisthisshouldersoutoftheclaspofthehugearms。
　　Thebabesatonthefloorwatchingthescene，hisfaceincontortionslikethatofawomanatatragedy。Thefather，withanewly-ladenedpipeinhismouth，crouchedonabacklesschairnearthestove。
　　Jimmie’scriesannoyedhim。Heturnedaboutandbellowedathiswife：
　　"Letthedamnedkidaloneforaminute，willyeh，Mary？Yeralluspoundin’’im。WhenIcomenightsIcan’tgitnorest’causeyeralluspoundin’akid。Letup，d’yehhear？Don’tbealluspoundin’akid。"
　　Thewoman’soperationsontheurchininstantlyincreasedinviolence。
　　Atlastshetossedhimtoacornerwherehelimplylaycursingandweeping。
　　Thewifeputherimmensehandsonherhipsandwithachieftain-likestrideapproachedherhusband。
　　"Ho，"shesaid，withagreatgruntofcontempt。"An’whatinthedevilareyoustickin’yournosefor？"
　　Thebabecrawledunderthetableand，turning，peeredoutcautiously。Theraggedgirlretreatedandtheurchininthecornerdrewhislegscarefullybeneathhim。
　　Themanpuffedhispipecalmlyandputhisgreatmuddedbootsonthebackpartofthestove。
　　"Gotehhell，"hemurmured，tranquilly。
　　Thewomanscreamedandshookherfistsbeforeherhusband’seyes。Theroughyellowofherfaceandneckflaredsuddenlycrimson。Shebegantohowl。
　　Hepuffedimperturbablyathispipeforatime，butfinallyaroseandbegantolookoutatthewindowintothedarkeningchaosofbackyards。
　　"You’vebeendrinkin’，Mary，"hesaid。"You’dbetterletuponthebot’，ol’woman，oryou’llgitdone。"
　　"You’realiar。Iain’thadadrop，"sheroaredinreply。
　　Theyhadaluridaltercation，inwhichtheydamnedeachother’ssoulswithfrequence。
　　Thebabewasstaringoutfromunderthetable，hissmallfaceworkinginhisexcitement。
　　Theraggedgirlwentstealthilyovertothecornerwheretheurchinlay。
　　"Areyehshurtedmuch，Jimmie？"shewhisperedtimidly。
　　"Notadamnbit！See？"growledthelittleboy。
　　"WillIwashdehblood？"
　　"Naw！"
　　"WillI——"
　　"WhenIcatchdatRileykidI’llbreak’isface！Dat’sright！
　　See？"
　　Heturnedhisfacetothewallasifresolvedtogrimlybidehistime。
　　Inthequarrelbetweenhusbandandwife，thewomanwasvictor。
　　Themangrabbedhishatandrushedfromtheroom，apparentlydetermineduponavengefuldrunk。Shefollowedtothedoorandthunderedathimashemadehiswaydownstairs。
　　Shereturnedandstirreduptheroomuntilherchildrenwerebobbingaboutlikebubbles。
　　"Gitoutadehway，"shepersistentlybawled，wavingfeetwiththeirdishevelledshoesneartheheadsofherchildren。
　　Sheshroudedherself，puffingandsnorting，inacloudofsteamatthestove，andeventuallyextractedafrying-panfullofpotatoesthathissed。
　　Sheflourishedit。"Cometehyersuppers，now，"shecriedwithsuddenexasperation。"Hurryup，now，erI’llhelpyeh！"
　　Thechildrenscrambledhastily。Withprodigiousclattertheyarrangedthemselvesattable。Thebabesatwithhisfeetdanglinghighfromaprecariousinfantchairandgorgedhissmallstomach。
　　Jimmieforced，withfeverishrapidity，thegrease-envelopedpiecesbetweenhiswoundedlips。Maggie，withsideglancesoffearofinterruption，atelikeasmallpursuedtigress。
　　Themothersatblinkingatthem。Shedeliveredreproaches，swallowedpotatoesanddrankfromayellow-brownbottle。
　　AfteratimehermoodchangedandsheweptasshecarriedlittleTommieintoanotherroomandlaidhimtosleepwithhisfistsdoubledinanoldquiltoffadedredandgreengrandeur。Thenshecameandmoanedbythestove。
　　Sherockedtoandfrouponachair，sheddingtearsandcrooningmiserablytothetwochildrenabouttheir"poormother"and"yerfader，damn’issoul。"
　　Thelittlegirlploddedbetweenthetableandthechairwithadish-panonit。Shetotteredonhersmalllegsbeneathburdensofdishes。
　　Jimmiesatnursinghisvariouswounds。Hecastfurtiveglancesathismother。Hispractisedeyeperceivedhergraduallyemergefromamuddledmistofsentimentuntilherbrainburnedindrunkenheat。Hesatbreathless。
　　Maggiebrokeaplate。
　　Themotherstartedtoherfeetasifpropelled。
　　"GoodGawd，"shehowled。Hereyesglitteredonherchildwithsuddenhatred。Theferventredofherfaceturnedalmosttopurple。Thelittleboyrantothehalls，shriekinglikeamonkinanearthquake。
　　Heflounderedaboutindarknessuntilhefoundthestairs。Hestumbled，panic-stricken，tothenextfloor。Anoldwomanopenedadoor。
　　Alightbehindherthrewaflareontheurchin’squiveringface。
　　"Eh，Gawd，child，whatisitdistime？Isyerfaderbeatin’
　　yermudder，oryermudderbeatin’yerfader？"
　　chapter03
　　ChapterIII
　　Jimmieandtheoldwomanlistenedlonginthehall。Abovethemuffledroarofconversation，thedismalwailingsofbabiesatnight，thethumpingoffeetinunseencorridorsandrooms，mingledwiththesoundofvariedhoarseshoutingsinthestreetandtherattlingofwheelsovercobbles，theyheardthescreamsofthechildandtheroarsofthemotherdieawaytoafeeblemoaningandasubduedbassmuttering。
　　Theoldwomanwasagnarledandleatherypersonagewhocoulddon，atwill，anexpressionofgreatvirtue。Shepossessedasmallmusic-boxcapableofonetune，andacollectionof"Godblessyehs"
　　pitchedinassortedkeysoffervency。EachdayshetookapositionuponthestonesofFifthAvenue，whereshecrookedherlegsunderherandcrouchedimmovableandhideous，likeanidol。Shereceiveddailyasmallsuminpennies。Itwascontributed，forthemostpart，bypersonswhodidnotmaketheirhomesinthatvicinity。
　　Once，whenaladyhaddroppedherpurseonthesidewalk，thegnarledwomanhadgrabbeditandsmuggleditwithgreatdexteritybeneathhercloak。Whenshewasarrestedshehadcursedtheladyintoapartialswoon，andwithheragedlimbs，twistedfromrheumatism，hadalmostkickedthestomachoutofahugepolicemanwhoseconductuponthatoccasionshereferredtowhenshesaid：
　　"Thepolice，damn’em。"
　　"Eh，Jimmie，it’scursedshame，"shesaid。"Go，now，likeadearan’buymeacan，an’ifyermudderraises’ellallnightyehscansleephere。"
　　Jimmietookatenderedtin-pailandsevenpenniesanddeparted。
　　Hepassedintothesidedoorofasaloonandwenttothebar。
　　Straininguponhistoesheraisedthepailandpenniesashighashisarmswouldlethim。Hesawtwohandsthrustdownandtakethem。
　　Directlythesamehandsletdownthefilledpailandheleft。
　　Infrontofthegruesomedoorwayhemetalurchingfigure。
　　Itwashisfather，swayingaboutonuncertainlegs。
　　"Givemedehcan。See？"saidtheman，threateningly。
　　"Ah，comeoff！Igotdiscanferdatol’womanan’it’udbedirttehswipeit。See？"criedJimmie。
　　Thefatherwrenchedthepailfromtheurchin。Hegraspeditinbothhandsandliftedittohismouth。Hegluedhislipstotheunderedgeandtiltedhishead。Hishairythroatswelleduntilitseemedtogrownearhischin。Therewasatremendousgulpingmovementandthebeerwasgone。
　　Themancaughthisbreathandlaughed。Hehithissonontheheadwiththeemptypail。Asitrolledclangingintothestreet，Jimmiebegantoscreamandkickedrepeatedlyathisfather’sshins。
　　"Lookatdehdirtwhatyehdoneme，"heyelled。"Dehol’
　　woman’illberaisin’hell。"
　　Heretreatedtothemiddleofthestreet，butthemandidnotpursue。Hestaggeredtowardthedoor。
　　"I’llclubhelloutayehwhenIketchyeh，"heshouted，anddisappeared。
　　Duringtheeveninghehadbeenstandingagainstabardrinkingwhiskiesanddeclaringtoallcomers，confidentially："Myhomereg’larlivin’hell！Damndes’place！Reg’larhell！
　　WhydoIcomean’drin’whisk’herethishway？’Causehomereg’larlivin’hell！"
　　Jimmiewaitedalongtimeinthestreetandthencreptwarilyupthroughthebuilding。Hepassedwithgreatcautionthedoorofthegnarledwoman，andfinallystoppedoutsidehishomeandlistened。
　　Hecouldhearhismothermovingheavilyaboutamongthefurnitureoftheroom。Shewaschantinginamournfulvoice，occasionallyinterjectingburstsofvolcanicwrathatthefather，who，Jimmiejudged，hadsunkdownonthefloororinacorner。
　　"Whydehblazesdon’cheretrytehkeepJimfromfightin’？
　　I’llbreakherjaw，"shesuddenlybellowed。
　　Themanmumbledwithdrunkenindifference。"Ah，wha’dehhell。W’a’sodds？Wha’makeskick？"
　　"Becausehetears’isclothes，yehdamnfool，"criedthewomaninsupremewrath。
　　Thehusbandseemedtobecomearoused。"Gotehhell，"hethunderedfiercelyinreply。Therewasacrashagainstthedoorandsomethingbrokeintoclatteringfragments。Jimmiepartiallysuppressedahowlanddarteddownthestairway。Belowhepausedandlistened。Heheardhowlsandcurses，groansandshrieks，confusinglyinchorusasifabattlewereraging。Withallwasthecrashofsplinteringfurniture。Theeyesoftheurchinglaredinfearthatoneofthemwoulddiscoverhim。
　　Curiousfacesappearedindoorways，andwhisperedcommentspassedtoandfro。"Ol’Johnson’sraisin’hellagin。"
　　Jimmiestooduntilthenoisesceasedandtheotherinhabitantsofthetenementhadallyawnedandshuttheirdoors。Thenhecrawledupstairswiththecautionofaninvaderofapantherden。
　　Soundsoflaboredbreathingcamethroughthebrokendoor-panels。
　　Hepushedthedooropenandentered，quaking。
　　Aglowfromthefirethrewredhuesoverthebarefloor，thecrackedandsoiledplastering，andtheoverturnedandbrokenfurniture。
　　Inthemiddleofthefloorlayhismotherasleep。Inonecorneroftheroomhisfather’slimpbodyhungacrosstheseatofachair。
　　Theurchinstoleforward。Hebegantoshiverindreadofawakeninghisparents。Hismother’sgreatchestwasheavingpainfully。Jimmiepausedandlookeddownather。Herfacewasinflamedandswollenfromdrinking。Heryellowbrowsshadedeye-
　　lidsthathadbrownblue。Hertangledhairtossedinwavesoverherforehead。Hermouthwassetinthesamelinesofvindictivehatredthatithad，perhaps，borneduringthefight。Herbare，redarmswerethrownoutaboveherheadinpositionsofexhaustion，something，mayhap，likethoseofasatedvillain。
　　Theurchinbendedoverhismother。Hewasfearfullestsheshouldopenhereyes，andthedreadwithinhimwassostrong，thathecouldnotforbeartostare，buthungasiffascinatedoverthewoman’sgrimface。
　　Suddenlyhereyesopened。Theurchinfoundhimselflookingstraightintothatexpression，which，itwouldseem，hadthepowertochangehisbloodtosalt。Hehowledpiercinglyandfellbackward。
　　Thewomanflounderedforamoment，tossedherarmsaboutherheadasifincombat，andagainbegantosnore。
　　Jimmiecrawledbackintheshadowsandwaited。Anoiseinthenextroomhadfollowedhiscryatthediscoverythathismotherwasawake。Hegrovelledinthegloom，theeyesfromouthisdrawnfacerivetedupontheinterveningdoor。
　　Hehearditcreak，andthenthesoundofasmallvoicecametohim。"Jimmie！Jimmie！Areyehsdere？"itwhispered。
　　Theurchinstarted。Thethin，whitefaceofhissisterlookedathimfromthedoor-wayoftheotherroom。Shecrepttohimacrossthefloor。
　　Thefatherhadnotmoved，butlayinthesamedeath-likesleep。Themotherwrithedinuneasyslumber，herchestwheezingasifshewereintheagoniesofstrangulation。Outatthewindowafloridmoonwaspeeringoverdarkroofs，andinthedistancethewatersofariverglimmeredpallidly。
　　Thesmallframeoftheraggedgirlwasquivering。Herfeatureswerehaggardfromweeping，andhereyesgleamedfromfear。
　　Shegraspedtheurchin’sarminherlittletremblinghandsandtheyhuddledinacorner。Theeyesofbothweredrawn，bysomeforce，tostareatthewoman’sface，fortheythoughtsheneedonlytoawakeandallfiendswouldcomefrombelow。
　　Theycroucheduntiltheghost-mistsofdawnappearedatthewindow，drawingclosetothepanes，andlookinginattheprostrate，heavingbodyofthemother。
　　chapter04
　　ChapterIV
　　Thebabe，Tommie，died。Hewentawayinawhite，insignificantcoffin，hissmallwaxenhandclutchingaflowerthatthegirl，Maggie，hadstolenfromanItalian。
　　SheandJimmielived。
　　Theinexperiencedfibresoftheboy’seyeswerehardenedatanearlyage。Hebecameayoungmanofleather。Helivedsomeredyearswithoutlaboring。Duringthattimehissneerbecamechronic。
　　Hestudiedhumannatureinthegutter，andfounditnoworsethanhethoughthehadreasontobelieveit。Heneverconceivedarespectfortheworld，becausehehadbegunwithnoidolsthatithadsmashed。
　　Hecladhissoulinarmorbymeansofhappeninghilariouslyinatamissionchurchwhereamancomposedhissermonsof"yous。"
　　Whiletheygotwarmatthestove，hetoldhishearersjustwherehecalculatedtheystoodwiththeLord。Manyofthesinnerswereimpatientoverthepictureddepthsoftheirdegradation。Theywerewaitingforsoup-tickets。
　　Areaderofwordsofwind-demonsmighthavebeenabletoseetheportionsofadialoguepasstoandfrobetweentheexhorterandhishearers。
　　"Youaredamned，"saidthepreacher。Andthereaderofsoundsmighthaveseenthereplygoforthfromtheraggedpeople："Where’soursoup？"
　　Jimmieandacompanionsatinarearseatandcommenteduponthethingsthatdidn’tconcernthem，withallthefreedomofEnglishgentlemen。WhentheygrewthirstyandwentouttheirmindsconfusedthespeakerwithChrist。
　　Momentarily，Jimmiewassullenwiththoughtsofahopelessaltitudewheregrewfruit。HiscompanionsaidthatifheshouldevermeetGodhewouldaskforamilliondollarsandabottleofbeer。
　　Jimmie’soccupationforalongtimewastostandonstreetcornersandwatchtheworldgoby，dreamingblood-reddreamsatthepassingofprettywomen。Hemenacedmankindattheintersectionsofstreets。
　　Onthecornershewasinlifeandoflife。Theworldwasgoingonandhewastheretoperceiveit。
　　Hemaintainedabelligerentattitudetowardallwell-dressedmen。Tohimfineraimentwasalliedtoweakness，andallgoodcoatscoveredfainthearts。Heandhisorderwerekings，toacertainextent，overthemenofuntarnishedclothes，becausetheselatterdreaded，perhaps，tobeeitherkilledorlaughedat。
　　AboveallthingshedespisedobviousChristiansandcipherswiththechrysanthemumsofaristocracyintheirbutton-holes。
　　Heconsideredhimselfabovebothoftheseclasses。Hewasafraidofneitherthedevilnortheleaderofsociety。
　　Whenhehadadollarinhispockethissatisfactionwithexistencewasthegreatestthingintheworld。So，eventually，hefeltobligedtowork。Hisfatherdiedandhismother’syearsweredividedupintoperiodsofthirtydays。
　　Hebecameatruckdriver。Hewasgiventhechargeofapainstakingpairofhorsesandalargerattlingtruck。Heinvadedtheturmoilandtumbleofthedown-townstreetsandlearnedtobreathemaledictorydefianceatthepolicewhooccasionallyusedtoclimbup，draghimfromhisperchandbeathim。
　　Inthelowerpartofthecityhedailyinvolvedhimselfinhideoustangles。Ifheandhisteamchancedtobeintherearhepreservedademeanorofserenity，crossinghislegsandburstingforthintoyellswhenfootpassengerstookdangerousdivesbeneaththenosesofhischampinghorses。Hesmokedhispipecalmlyforheknewthathispaywasmarchingon。
　　Ifinthefrontandthekey-truckofchaos，heenteredterrificallyintothequarrelthatwasragingtoandfroamongthedriversontheirhighseats，andsometimesroaredoathsandviolentlygothimselfarrested。
　　Afteratimehissneergrewsothatitturneditsglareuponallthings。Hebecamesosharpthathebelievedinnothing。
　　Tohimthepolicewerealwaysactuatedbymalignantimpulsesandtherestoftheworldwascomposed，forthemostpart，ofdespicablecreatureswhowerealltryingtotakeadvantageofhimandwithwhom，indefense，hewasobligedtoquarrelonallpossibleoccasions。Hehimselfoccupiedadown-troddenpositionthathadaprivatebutdistinctelementofgrandeurinitsisolation。
　　Themostcompletecasesofaggravatedidiocywere，tohismind，rampantuponthefrontplatformsofallthestreetcars。Atfirsthistonguestrovewiththesebeings，butheeventuallywassuperior。
　　HebecameimmuredlikeanAfricancow。Inhimgrewamajesticcontemptforthosestringsofstreetcarsthatfollowedhimlikeintentbugs。
　　Hefellintothehabit，whenstartingonalongjourney，offixinghiseyeonahighanddistantobject，commandinghishorsestobegin，andthengoingintoasortofatranceofobservation。
　　Multitudesofdriversmighthowlinhisrear，andpassengersmightloadhimwithopprobrium，hewouldnotawakenuntilsomebluepolicemanturnedredandbegantofrenziedlytearbridlesandbeatthesoftnosesoftheresponsiblehorses。
　　Whenhepausedtocontemplatetheattitudeofthepolicetowardhimselfandhisfellows，hebelievedthattheyweretheonlymeninthecitywhohadnorights。Whendrivingabout，hefeltthathewasheldliablebythepoliceforanythingthatmightoccurinthestreets，andwasthecommonpreyofallenergeticofficials。
　　Inrevenge，heresolvednevertomoveoutofthewayofanything，untilformidablecircumstances，oramuchlargermanthanhimselfforcedhimtoit。
　　Foot-passengersweremerepesteringflieswithaninsanedisregardfortheirlegsandhisconvenience。Hecouldnotconceivetheirmaniacaldesirestocrossthestreets。Theirmadnesssmotehimwitheternalamazement。Hewascontinuallystormingatthemfromhisthrone。Hesataloftanddenouncedtheirfranticleaps，plunges，divesandstraddles。
　　Whentheywouldthrustat，orparry，thenosesofhischampinghorses，makingthemswingtheirheadsandmovetheirfeet，disturbingasoliddreamyrepose，hesworeatthemenasfools，forhehimselfcouldperceivethatProvidencehadcauseditclearlytobewritten，thatheandhisteamhadtheunalienablerighttostandintheproperpathofthesunchariot，andiftheysominded，obstructitsmissionortakeawheeloff。
　　And，perhaps，ifthegod-driverhadanungovernabledesiretostepdown，putuphisflame-coloredfistsandmanfullydisputetherightofway，hewouldhaveprobablybeenimmediatelyopposedbyascowlingmortalwithtwosetsofveryhardknuckles。
　　Itispossible，perhaps，thatthisyoungmanwouldhavederided，inanaxle-widealley，theapproachofaflyingferryboat。Yetheachievedarespectforafireengine。Asonechargedtowardhistruck，hewoulddrivefearfullyuponasidewalk，threateninguntoldpeoplewithannihilation。Whenanenginewouldstrikeamassofblockedtrucks，splittingitintofragments，asablowannihilatesacakeofice，Jimmie’steamcouldusuallybeobservedhighandsafe，withwholewheels，onthesidewalk。
　　Thefearfulcomingoftheenginecouldbreakupthemostintricatemuddleofheavyvehiclesatwhichthepolicehadbeenswearingforthehalfofanhour。
　　Afireenginewasenshrinedinhisheartasanappallingthingthathelovedwithadistantdog-likedevotion。Theyhadbeenknowntooverturnstreet-cars。Thoseleapinghorses，strikingsparksfromthecobblesintheirforwardlunge，werecreaturestobeineffablyadmired。Theclangofthegongpiercedhisbreastlikeanoiseofrememberedwar。
　　WhenJimmiewasalittleboy，hebegantobearrested。
　　Beforehereachedagreatage，hehadafairrecord。
　　Hedevelopedtoogreatatendencytoclimbdownfromhistruckandfightwithotherdrivers。Hehadbeeninquiteanumberofmiscellaneousfights，andinsomegeneralbarroomrowsthathadbecomeknowntothepolice。OncehehadbeenarrestedforassaultingaChinaman。Twowomenindifferentpartsofthecity，andentirelyunknowntoeachother，causedhimconsiderableannoyancebybreakingforth，simultaneously，atfatefulintervals，intowailingsaboutmarriageandsupportandinfants。
　　Nevertheless，hehad，onacertainstar-litevening，saidwonderinglyandquitereverently："Dehmoonlookslikehell，don’tit？"
　　chapter05
　　ChapterV
　　Thegirl，Maggie，blossomedinamudpuddle。Shegrewtobeamostrareandwonderfulproductionofatenementdistrict，aprettygirl。
　　NoneofthedirtofRumAlleyseemedtobeinherveins。
　　Thephilosophersup-stairs，down-stairsandonthesamefloor，puzzledoverit。
　　Whenachild，playingandfightingwithgaminsinthestreet，dirtdisguisedher。Attiredintattersandgrime，shewentunseen。
　　Therecameatime，however，whentheyoungmenofthevicinitysaid："DatJohnsongoilisaputygoodlooker。"Aboutthisperiodherbrotherremarkedtoher："Mag，I’lltellyehdis！See？
　　Yeh’veeddergottehgotehhellorgotehwork！"Whereuponshewenttowork，havingthefeminineaversionofgoingtohell。
　　Byachance，shegotapositioninanestablishmentwheretheymadecollarsandcuffs。Shereceivedastoolandamachineinaroomwheresattwentygirlsofvariousshadesofyellowdiscontent。
　　Sheperchedonthestoolandtreadledathermachineallday，turningoutcollars，thenameofwhosebrandcouldbenotedforitsirrelevancytoanythinginconnectionwithcollars。Atnightshereturnedhometohermother。
　　Jimmiegrewlargeenoughtotakethevaguepositionofheadofthefamily。Asincumbentofthatoffice，hestumbledup-stairslateatnight，ashisfatherhaddonebeforehim。Hereeledabouttheroom，swearingathisrelations，orwenttosleeponthefloor。
　　Themotherhadgraduallyarisentothatdegreeoffamethatshecouldbandywordswithheracquaintancesamongthepolice-
　　justices。Court-officialscalledherbyherfirstname。
　　Whensheappearedtheypursuedacoursewhichhadbeentheirsformonths。
　　Theyinvariablygrinnedandcriedout："Hello，Mary，youhereagain？"Hergreyheadwaggedinmanyacourt。Shealwaysbesiegedthebenchwithvolubleexcuses，explanations，apologiesandprayers。Herflamingfaceandrollingeyeswereasortoffamiliarsightontheisland。Shemeasuredtimebymeansofsprees，andwaseternallyswollenanddishevelled。
　　Onedaytheyoungman，Pete，whoasaladhadsmittentheDevil’sRowurchininthebackoftheheadandputtoflighttheantagonistsofhisfriend，Jimmie，strutteduponthescene。
　　HemetJimmieonedayonthestreet，promisedtotakehimtoaboxingmatchinWilliamsburg，andcalledforhimintheevening。
　　MaggieobservedPete。
　　HesatonatableintheJohnsonhomeanddangledhischeckedlegswithanenticingnonchalance。Hishairwascurleddownoverhisforeheadinanoiledbang。Hisratherpuggednoseseemedtorevoltfromcontactwithabristlingmoustacheofshort，wire-likehairs。Hisbluedouble-breastedcoat，edgedwithblackbraid，buttonedclosetoaredpufftie，andhispatent-leathershoeslookedlikemurder-fittedweapons。
　　Hismannerismsstampedhimasamanwhohadacorrectsenseofhispersonalsuperiority。Therewasvalorandcontemptforcircumstancesintheglanceofhiseye。Hewavedhishandslikeamanoftheworld，whodismissesreligionandphilosophy，andsays"Fudge。"Hehadcertainlyseeneverythingandwitheachcurlofhislip，hedeclaredthatitamountedtonothing。Maggiethoughthemustbeaveryelegantandgracefulbartender。
　　HewastellingtalestoJimmie。
　　Maggiewatchedhimfurtively，withhalf-closedeyes，litwithavagueinterest。
　　"Hullygee！Deymakesmetired，"hesaid。"Mos’e’rydaysomefarmercomesinan’triestehrundehshop。See？Butdeygitst’rowedrightout！Ijoltdemrightoutindehstreetbeforedeyknowswheredeyis！See？"
　　"Sure，"saidJimmie。
　　"Derewasamugcomeindehplacedehodderdaywidanidearhewusgoin’tehowndehplace！Hullygee，hewusgoin’tehowndehplace！Iseehehadastillonan’Ididn’wannagiv’imnostuff，soIsays：’Gitdehhelloutaherean’don’makenotrouble，’Isayslikedat！See？’Gitdehhelloutaherean’don’
　　makenotrouble’；likedat。’Gitdehhelloutahere，’Isays。
　　See？"
　　Jimmienoddedunderstandingly。Overhisfeaturesplayedaneagerdesiretostatetheamountofhisvalorinasimilarcrisis，butthenarratorproceeded。
　　"Well，dehblokiehesays：’T’hellwidit！Iain’lookin’fornoscrap，’hesays（See？），’but’hesays，’I’m’spectablecit’zenan’Iwannadrinkan’purtydamnsoon，too。’See？’Dehhell，’
　　I
　　says。Likedat！’Dehhell，’Isays。See？’Don’
　　makenotrouble，’Isays。Likedat。’Don’makenotrouble。’
　　See？Dendehmughesquaredoffan’saidhewasfineassilkwidhisdukes（See？）an’hewannedadrinkdamnquick。Dat’swhathesaid。
　　See？"
　　"Sure，"repeatedJimmie。
　　Petecontinued。"Say，Ijes’jumpeddehbaran’dehwayI
　　plunkeddatblokiewasgreat。See？Dat’sright！Indehjaw！
　　See？Hullygee，het’rowedaspittoontruedehfrontwindee。
　　Say，ItautI’ddropdead。Butdehboss，hecomesinafteran’hesays，’Pete，yehsdonejes’right！Yeh’vegotakeeporderan’it’sallright。’See？’It’sallright，’hesays。Dat’swhathesaid。"
　　Thetwoheldatechnicaldiscussion。
　　"Datblokewasadandy，"saidPete，inconclusion，"buthehadn’oughtamadenotrouble。Dat’swhatIsaystehdem：’Don’
　　comeinherean’makenotrouble，’Isays，likedat。’Don’makenotrouble。’See？"
　　AsJimmieandhisfriendexchangedtalesdescriptiveoftheirprowess，Maggieleanedbackintheshadow。HereyesdweltwonderinglyandratherwistfullyuponPete’sface。Thebrokenfurniture，grimeywalls，andgeneraldisorderanddirtofherhomeofasuddenappearedbeforeherandbegantotakeapotentialaspect。Pete’saristocraticpersonlookedasifitmightsoil。Shelookedkeenlyathim，occasionally，wonderingifhewasfeelingcontempt。ButPeteseemedtobeenvelopedinreminiscence。
　　"Hullygee，"saidhe，"dosemugscan’tphaseme。DeyknowsI
　　kinwipeupdehstreetwidanyt’reeofdem。"
　　Whenhesaid，"Ah，whatdehhell，"hisvoicewasburdenedwithdisdainfortheinevitableandcontemptforanythingthatfatemightcompelhimtoendure。
　　Maggieperceivedthatherewasthebeauidealofaman。Herdimthoughtswereoftensearchingforfarawaylandswhere，asGodsays，thelittlehillssingtogetherinthemorning。Underthetreesofherdream-gardenstherehadalwayswalkedalover。
　　chapter06
　　ChapterVI
　　PetetooknoteofMaggie。
　　"Say，Mag，I’mstuckonyershape。It’soutasight，"hesaid，parenthetically，withanaffablegrin。
　　Ashebecameawarethatshewaslisteningclosely，hegrewstillmoreeloquentinhisdescriptionsofvarioushappeningsinhiscareer。Itappearedthathewasinvincibleinfights。
　　"Why，"hesaid，referringtoamanwithwhomhehadhadamisunderstanding，"datmugscrappedlikeadamndago。Dat’sright。
　　Hewasdeadeasy。See？Hetau’thewasascrapper。
　　Buthefoun’
　　outdiff’ent！Hullygee。"
　　Hewalkedtoandfrointhesmallroom，whichseemedthentogrowevensmallerandunfittoholdhisdignity，theattributeofasupremewarrior。Thatswingoftheshouldersthathadfrozenthetimidwhenhewasbutaladhadincreasedwithhisgrowthandeducationattheratiooftentoone。It，combinedwiththesneeruponhismouth，toldmankindthattherewasnothinginspacewhichcouldappallhim。Maggiemarvelledathimandsurroundedhimwithgreatness。Shevaguelytriedtocalculatethealtitudeofthepinnaclefromwhichhemusthavelookeddownuponher。
　　"Imetachumpdehodderdaywayupindehcity，"hesaid。"I
　　wasgoin’tehseeafrien’ofmine。WhenIwasa-crossin’dehstreetdehchumprunnedplumpintehme，an’denheturnsaroun’an’
　　says，’Yerinsolen’ruffin，’hesays，likedat。’Oh，gee，’Isays，’oh，gee，gotehhellandgitoffdeheart’，’Isays，likedat。
　　See？’Gotehhellan’gitoffdeheart’，’likedat。Dendehblokiehegotwild。HesaysIwasacontempt’blescoun’el，ersomet’inglikedat，an’hesaysIwasdoom’teheverlastin’
　　pe’ditionan’alllikedat。’Gee，’Isays，’gee！DehhellIam，’
　　Isays。’DehhellIam，’likedat。An’denIslugged’im。
　　See？"
　　WithJimmieinhiscompany，PetedepartedinasortofablazeofgloryfromtheJohnsonhome。Maggie，leaningfromthewindow，watchedhimashewalkeddownthestreet。
　　Herewasaformidablemanwhodisdainedthestrengthofaworldfulloffists。Herewasonewhohadcontemptforbrass-
　　clothedpower；onewhoseknucklescoulddefiantlyringagainstthegraniteoflaw。Hewasaknight。
　　Thetwomenwentfromundertheglimmeringstreet-lampandpassedintoshadows。
　　Turning，Maggiecontemplatedthedark，dust-stainedwalls，andthescantandcrudefurnitureofherhome。Aclock，inasplinteredandbatteredoblongboxofvarnishedwood，shesuddenlyregardedasanabomination。Shenotedthatittickedraspingly。
　　Thealmostvanishedflowersinthecarpet-pattern，sheconceivedtobenewlyhideous。Somefaintattemptsshehadmadewithblueribbon，tofreshentheappearanceofadingycurtain，shenowsawtobepiteous。
　　ShewonderedwhatPetedinedon。
　　Shereflecteduponthecollarandcufffactory。Itbegantoappeartohermindasadrearyplaceofendlessgrinding。Pete’selegantoccupationbroughthim，nodoubt，intocontactwithpeoplewhohadmoneyandmanners。itwasprobablethathehadalargeacquaintanceofprettygirls。Hemusthavegreatsumsofmoneytospend。
　　Tohertheearthwascomposedofhardshipsandinsults。Shefeltinstantadmirationforamanwhoopenlydefiedit。Shethoughtthatifthegrimangelofdeathshouldclutchhisheart，Petewouldshrughisshouldersandsay："Oh，ev’ryt’inggoes。"
　　Sheanticipatedthathewouldcomeagainshortly。Shespentsomeofherweek’spayinthepurchaseoffloweredcretonneforalambrequin。Shemadeitwithinfinitecareandhungittotheslightly-careeningmantel，overthestove，inthekitchen。Shestudieditwithpainfulanxietyfromdifferentpointsintheroom。
　　ShewantedittolookwellonSundaynightwhen，perhaps，Jimmie’sfriendwouldcome。OnSundaynight，however，Petedidnotappear。
　　Afterwardthegirllookedatitwithasenseofhumiliation。
　　ShewasnowconvincedthatPetewassuperiortoadmirationforlambrequins。
　　AfeweveningslaterPeteenteredwithfascinatinginnovationsinhisapparel。Asshehadseenhimtwiceandhehaddifferentsuitsoneachtime，Maggiehadadimimpressionthathiswardrobewasprodigiouslyextensive。
　　"Say，Mag，"hesaid，"putonyerbes’dudsFridaynightan’
　　I’lltakeyehstehdehshow。See？"
　　Hespentafewmomentsinflourishinghisclothesandthenvanished，withouthavingglancedatthelambrequin。
　　OvertheeternalcollarsandcuffsinthefactoryMaggiespentthemostofthreedaysinmakingimaginarysketchesofPeteandhisdailyenvironment。Sheimaginedsomehalfdozenwomeninlovewithhimandthoughthemustleandangerouslytowardanindefiniteone，whomshepicturedwithgreatcharmsofperson，butwithanaltogethercontemptibledisposition。
　　Shethoughthemustliveinablareofpleasure。Hehadfriends，andpeoplewhowereafraidofhim。
　　ShesawthegoldenglitteroftheplacewherePetewastotakeher。Anentertainmentofmanyhuesandmanymelodieswhereshewasafraidshemightappearsmallandmouse-colored。
　　HermotherdrankwhiskeyallFridaymorning。WithluridfaceandtossinghairshecursedanddestroyedfurnitureallFridayafternoon。WhenMaggiecamehomeathalf-pastsixhermotherlayasleepamidstthewreckofchairsandatable。Fragmentsofvarioushouseholdutensilswerescatteredaboutthefloor。
　　Shehadventedsomephaseofdrunkenfuryuponthelambrequin。
　　Itlayinabedraggledheapinthecorner。
　　"Hah，"shesnorted，sittingupsuddenly，"wheredehhellyehbeen？Whydehhelldon’yehcomehomeearlier？Beenloafin’
　　’rounddehstreets。Yergettin’tehbeareg’lardevil。"
　　WhenPetearrivedMaggie，inawornblackdress，waswaitingforhiminthemidstofafloorstrewnwithwreckage。Thecurtainatthewindowhadbeenpulledbyaheavyhandandhungbyonetack，danglingtoandfrointhedraftthroughthecracksatthesash。
　　Theknotsofblueribbonsappearedlikeviolatedflowers。Thefireinthestovehadgoneout。Thedisplacedlidsandopendoorsshowedheapsofsullengreyashes。Theremnantsofameal，ghastly，likedeadflesh，layinacorner。Maggie’sredmother，stretchedonthefloor，blasphemedandgaveherdaughterabadname。