“Scorcher” was once reserved for speed demon cyclists on city streets, but the word could apparently could refer to drivers, too, after the introduction of the automobile.
“When the Scorcher Died” By LOWELL OTUS REESE
“The Copper and the Scorcher,” poem published in the Washington Times 1897, no author listed.
“I say there!” cried the bluecoat.
As he humped himself about,
“You’re arrested for fast riding.”
When the scorcher heard the shout
He looked o’er his shoulder,
And he didn’t do a thing
But pedal all the harder
And make the welkin ring.
“I like that,” said the “finest,”
As through the thoroughfare
He started for his victim;
And the crowd that gathered there
Cheered the racer, jeered the copper
And wagered ten to one
On the scorcher as he sped along
on that exciting run.
In and out among the horses
And wagons on the street
They dodged about most artfully,
Doing many a dangerous feat;
But the bluecoat was outdistanced,
He set too slow a pace,
And his anger gave expression
In the wrath upon his face.
At last grown weak and weary,
The copper swore he’d shoot,
And reached back for his pistol,
But the crowd cried, “Don’t, you brute!”
But he aimed it at the scorcher,
If he didn’t I’m a liar;
“Bang!” and the scorcher tumbled,
For the cop had pierced his tire.