The youth had wandered away from his parents while the family was viewing holiday displays in the nation's capital. It wasn't long before the boy, being a disagreeable and contrary sort, was on the lookout for mischief.
Seeing a very large Marine guard posted not far away, the boy approached and began taunting the guard, who continued at his post impassively. As he continued, the boy noticed the guard's eyes had narrowed and were following him closely.
"Come on, fellow," said the youth, "sticks and stones, you know."
"Sticks?" said the guard, smiling very slightly and narrowing his eyes still further, "Sticks? I don't need no STICKS ..."