I can remember when bums threw rocks through jewelery store
windows, just to ensure a warm winter in what was then called Bridgewater State Farm. O.Henry is describing such a
derelict.
"For years the hospitable Blackwell's had been his winter quarters. Just as his more fortunate fellow New Yorkers had bought their tickets to Palm Beach and the Riviera each winter, so Soapy had made his humble arrangements for his annual hegira to the Island. "

hegira
He`gi´ra
Noun 1. Hegira - the flight of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 which marked the beginning of the Muslim era; the Muslim calendar begins in that year
Hejira
escape, flight - the act of escaping physically; "he made his escape from the mental hospital"; "the canary escaped from its cage"; "his flight was an indication of his guilt"
2. hegira - a journey by a large group to escape from a hostile environment
exodus, hejira
escape, flight - the act of escaping physically; "he made his escape from the mental hospital"; "the canary escaped from its cage"; "his flight was an indication of his guilt"