South Beach. 27 



sledge-machine up to the bell, and he bets he can. He 

 grasps the heavy hammer confidently, and for once he is 

 right ; before his vigorous strokes the weight flies up and 

 the bell rings. After all of that exercise he does not resort 

 to the wonderful cow, but celebrates his success with lager 

 beer. 



At night he goes home supremely happy; he sings on 

 the cars, and even dances a little. Mayhap the conductor 

 comes by and holds a quiet talk with the merrymaker, but 

 the official only produces a momentary quiet. 



The simple blithe someness of such a soul — the boyish 

 manhood — is not without its pleasing aspect, and some- 

 times it is accompanied by an entertaining personality of 

 no mean order. Once while the train lay in the station, 

 the passengers crowding the smoker and the car adjoining, 

 a jolly party sang their songs. One large man sang 

 " Climbing up the Golden Stairs " in German, and with 

 one accord two car-loads ot passengers ceased speaking, 

 there was a perfect hush while he sang, such was the 

 power of sweet sounds. 



In September, 1889, the swells of the sea visited the 

 " hotels " in person, and few of the houses escaped without 

 damage, some of them having their broad piazzas taken 

 away, for such was the rollicking dance of Neptune's 

 company. After nearly a week of dark and sullen skies, 

 when the sun seemed to have forgotten the earth, it came 

 at last, struggling through the clouds, and the workmen 

 appeared in numbers on the beach, and engaged them- 

 selves in repairing the damage caused by the breakers. 

 Among them was a young man with staring dark eyes, 



