The Unknown Wrestler

E-text prepared by Al Haines
Author of Under Sealed Orders, Rod of the Lone Patrol, Etc.
McCLelland, Goodchild & Stewart Publishers :: :: :: Toronto
Copyright, 1918, By George H. Doran Company
To All True Wrestlers this book is Sympathetically Dedicated
There was no room for him on the sidewalk, so he took up his position beyond the curbstone. The light from the large arc-lamp overhead, exposed the old man's thin white hair, withered face and threadbare clothes. His sightless eyes were turned toward the passing throng, and his head was slightly bent in an expectant attitude. But the hand that drew the wheezy bow across the strings of the violin often faltered, and the broken music, instead of attracting, repelled the crowds. The player was tired and longed for rest. But the fire of an overmastering purpose burned in his soul and kept him steadfast to his post.
The girl standing by his side was both weary and embarrassed. Her hand trembled as she held out her father's soft felt hat to receive the coins which were so very few. It was quite evident that she was new to this business, for her cheeks were flushed crimson owing to the remarks she occasionally heard.
Listen to that old man sawing wood, one gaily-dressed young fop laughingly jested to his companion.
Filing his saw, I should say, was the sarcastic reply. It's a wonder to me that such a noise is allowed on a street like this.
But see the girl, the other insisted, isn't she a beauty! Look at her cheeks. My! they are some colour. She seems new to her job. Suppose we give her a jolt. I'd like to hear what she'd say. Perhaps she isn't as innocent as she seems.
They had stopped several rods away and were watching the girl as they talked. Presently they retraced their steps, and when they came near where she was standing, one of them surged suddenly against her, causing her to drop the hat in alarm and start back, while the few coins rolled out upon the hard stones. Her cry of dismay caused the old man to stop playing and turn quickly toward her.