Page:Autobiography of an Androgyne 1918 book scan.djvu/184

154 with a giant of a ruffian seated on a hydrant just below Street. I began my prattle and we soon walked off together to the neighboring Park. He appeared to be such a reckless character that I was afraid to accompany him off a public place, and contented myself with spooning on one of the park benches. We were soon joined by two pals, who had followed to see what was up, because maybe there was a chance for highway robbery. But they discovered that it was only a low-class fairie. They were also splendid specimens of the youthful ruffian. I was madly attracted toward all three, and now reclining in the bosom of one, and now in that of another, I gave utterance to the infant's natural language expressive of contentment at being petted and babied by these giants, whom I affectionately called my "Big Braves." I would lift their hands to my mouth and cover them with kisses, and roll up their sleeves and cover their arms with kisses.

After some time, two of them said goodnight, leaving me alone with the giant whose acquaintance I had first made. I finally agreed to accompany him to his room. Whenever we sighted a policeman, he remarked: "Let's go over to the other side of the street. I don't want that cop to see my face." After entering the side-door of a repulsive-looking "Saloon," we walked down a very long passage, divided into sections by several heavily barricaded doors, each provided with a peep-hole and doortender, who opened only to the elect. Protection was thus secured again surprises by the police. We finally arrived in a spacious room filled with small tables, around which