The Real Diary of a Real Boy

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.