Dateline: September 9, 1899

Willie Larkin, a boy of eight, residing at 110 Williston street, lies at his home suffering great pain as the result of a mad prank played upon him by two or three boys whose names have not yet been learned. Young Larkin left his home this afternoon to play about as ususal. He met several boys and the crowd went down to the dumping ground on Seaview avenue, near the railroad culvert. A bon-fire was started and everything in sight that was burnable was gathered up to increase the blaze. One of the biggest boys in the crowd suggested that they play Indian. No sooner decided upon than two of the largest boys grabbed young Larkin and forced him into the fire.

The little boy screamed with pain and managed to wiggle out, but the other two forced him back again. Young Larkin finally managed to get away from them. He was barely able to walk home and almost fainted as he entered the house.

Mr. Larkin, the boy's father, was very indignant when he came home and learned what had been done. He intends to make a complaint to the authorities and have the boys punished. It will be some time before young Larkin is able to go out again as the skin is all peeled off his legs and feet and they are terribly sore.