Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-09-30

hand on the farm.
The old farmer eyed him for some mo
-menls, and fndihg him remarkably well fa-
vored and knit together, said:
"Where are you from ?"
81 live at Monroe when at home,' replied
the young man.
"Raised on farm ?"
Yes; sir"
"About how much do you want month p
Whatever you think is right"
"You'll never get along in the world unless
you drive better bargain than that, said Mr.
Lippe. "But I'll tell you what III do. You
shall work month for twenty dollars, and af-
ter that, if we suit one another; we'll bargain
for year.
"Agreed," said the voting man. aud was in
stalled forthwith as hired hand.
AS the reader guesses, the hand was none
other than Henry Coverdale, who had COM
menced to put into operation plan to gain
the old mans consent to bis union with Susan.
Time wagged along. Old Lippe was might
lily pleased with his hired hand, and often
praised him to the women folks. Indeed, he
looked with a degree of complacency on his at
tentions to Susan, which began to be marked
and Coverdale was on the point Of popping
the question, when circumstance occurred
which induced him to postpone it for short
season. The circumstance was as follows:
The farm Of Mr.. Lippe was part of tract,
the title of which had formerly been in dis
pute, though it was indeed and in equity his.
Just at this time one Of those land sharks that
nfest the country raked up worthless claim,
and entered suit for possession.
This proceeding was SO obviously absurd aud
rascally, that Mr.. Lippe merely laughed at it,
although, at the advice of his hired hand, he
appeared at court to refute the claim, suppos-
ing, however, that his bare word would be
sufficient to dispose Of the scoundrel of land
shark. His hired hand also concluded to lose
the day and go with him, in order, "to see
what Judge and court were like"
Old Mrs. Lppe and Susan accompanied
them for the purpose of making some pur-
chases; as they could get better bargains in the
county town than ii Stanhope.
The CONVERSATION of the family had placed
Henry Coverdale in full possession of the facts
in the case, and he had manifested such an in
terest in the affair, and appeared to be so anx-
ious as to the result, that the old man was not
astonished to see him enter the bar and take
chair by his side. He noticed also that his
dame and Susan were among the spectators in
the court room.
The case was called, and the lawyer for the
plaintiff arose and made out so plausible
statement that it enraged the old man drcad-
fully, SO much so that he conld scarcely con-
tent himself until tho lawyer concluded
The moment he sat down theold man sprang
to his feet.
80 See here" exclaimed he. Here are deeds
and every man in this court room knows me
well enough to know that never got them by
rascaty, or.claimed more than what was just
ly mine"
"All that may be true" replied the judge
but the court demands legal proof relative to
the points at issue. presume you have an
attorney, Mr.. Lippe?"
Never said single word to a single one
| never thought it worth while" said the old
man, perfectly aghast at the turn matters were
taking.
At this stage, Lippo's hired hand rose to his
feet.
May it please the court, will undertake
the case for Mr.. Lippe," said he.
"a prettycasO you'll make Of it, said the
old man. "You can plow corn wonderful
sight better"
al assure Mr. Lippe that Mr. Coverdale is
perfectly competent to the task, said the judge,
who was well acquainted with the young law
yer, and who, though ignorant of bis present
relations, fancied be smelt joke in the actions
Of the parties.
"Mebbe your honor is right" said Mr. Lip
pc "but plague take me, If you don't find
him likely sight better farm hand than law
yer"
A general litter ran around the bar.
The suit proceeded. The young attorney
having previously mastered the whole ground
entered into its merits with such force and
clearness as astonished even the court. But
how shall we paint the surprise Of old Mr..
Lippe? It took him by storm. At every
word Of the young lawyer he seemed to distend
with astonisbment, until his amazement was
something so ridiculously appalling as to con-
vulse the entire audience with laughter. Peal
after peal resounded, and even the fat sides Of
the judge, forgetting their gravity, seemed
ready to shake to pieces with merriment.
Who-who-whoa are you ?" at last gasped
the old man.
"Sit down Mr. Lippe," said Coyerdale. Il
am attending to the case"
Then stopping, be whispered in bis ear,
clam trying to earn Susan
ashes yours" shouted the old man, re-
gardless Of the bystanders or the court, which
having now an inkling Of the matter, gave a
loose rein to their jubilant feelings. How Su-
san felt, however, can be better imagined than
,.tl CT i1..k.l l:Lo 80 of - ~ Al -