STUDENT LIFE S2 explosions and concussions screaming and wailing contrivances rushing through the air and all sorts of applicances for making what the grown folks call ear-splittin- g- “infernal racket” Some enthusiastic person — I had a rougher name for him then — got directly under my room window about midnight of the third and started to hold a target practice with a small cannon The first report shook the building and made the windows of my room play a drum solo Being unarmed I was unable to respond to this cannonading in a manner which at that moment seemed to me fit I looked in the clothes room for something handv — and heavv — and found a pair of old shoes which did not have a very soulful appearance and I immediately resolved to share my find with my friend below The first shoe fell a little short but had the effect of starting the raider in retreat The second shoe struck the fellow just where shoes are intended to hit such fellows From around the corner I heard him yell “Say feller I aint a bridal party” Since my enemy had the consideration for my feelings or his don’t know which to retire I thinking him routed retired also But I didn’t go to sleep Oh no ! It seemed to me that evcrvlxjdy in the city took up the bombardment The city had started its celebration I remained in bed as long as I could stand it listening to big guns little guns and a lot of sons of guns out in the street When I went out in the morning I was surprised to find that the streets were not crowded — yet wasn’t out two minutes until I made up my mind that if I would see the town that day I would take my life in my hand — and my heart in my mouth Broadway had taken on its holiday attire and Wall street looked lonesome — neither one however was crowded Small boys — they were not all small — were everywhere engaged in setting off “nigger chasers’ and other diabolical contrivances that kept the pedestrians doing a fancy high step and continuous acrobatic performance Everywhere I went the noise seemed to be getting greater until about noon I was nearly insane — and positive that the demonstrative youths were who were making the noise I had begun to feel that I must escape but where? “Take to the water” seemed instinctive When got to the wharf I saw boats for Atlantic City Coney Island Staten Island etc Just why I took the boat for Coney Island I never could imagine but it looked like escape there I found after getting there that it is better “to bear those ills we have than fly to others we know not of” — New York was bad but Coney Island was indescribable I stayed there quite a while because T I