Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-08-27
MIR. SMITHS TOES.

SISTER as being Il very promising TAU,
and he had secretly determined, if he
should prove MS satisfactory as he
hoped, TO bring about "a union between
him and Lamia. A year ago Michael
Careless had made his first visit to
England from Canada, both his parents
being dead, and in every respect he
had come up to his uncle's most
sauguine expectations. But his adj
vent was too late. Only six weeks
before his arrival his pretty cousin
LAMA had engaged herself to DIR.
Charles Carious.
s.Well. uncle" said Michael, as he
entered the room. there doesn't seem
rnnch chance for me. l think had
better be getting back to the land OF
&he Kanucks."
Upon my word, Michael, I'm in
clined to think you are right. I've
just been speaking to LAMA again, and
she seems as immovablc il not more
determined, than ever. BY the by,
did you dine with Carious when you
were in town."
oh yes thought it was the civil
thing TO do; and, besides, I've no right
to quarrel with him. He came and
saw and conquered before was ever
in the field at all. l can't say that
like him, though doubtless he is clever
at his profession. But uncle. do you
really think she cares for the doctor?"
mo, candidly, Michael. between you
and me- and the post don't think she
does rap; but still there's no chance
,of her throwing him over. She's made
up her mind to that, and she'll stick
to it. / wish to goodness he would
grow tired of her. but I'm afraid he
knows which side his breads buttered
100 well for that"
After this there was pause, and the
two men lit cigars and sat silent.
All OF a sudden Michael broke out
with:
Il suppose alIs fair in love, uncle,
isn't it?''
But Mr.. Smith had fallen into gen.
lie sleep. and took no heed.
A week later, in response to an invi-
tation from his prospective fathcr-in-
law. DR.. Charles Carious ran down
for weeks shooting to Rabnet manor
MIR. and Mrs. Smith and Lamar would
be away at Eastbourne, the invitation
had said. but Michael Careless would
he there to do the hOnOrs. So it was
that the accepted sutton and his rival
found themselves tete-a-tete at break
fast on an early day in October. Mich
;ael proposed an early start, and break
fast was no sooner over than they re-
tired to get into CATERS and shooting
boots. But Michael alone in his
room, seemed in no hurry to get ready.
He had left his door ajar and was ca
,gerly listening. After few minutes
The heard the doctors bell ring violent
ly and this was shortly followed by
animated conversation with the foot
man who answered the summons.
Anything the matter. Carious?" he
called across the passage.
why, yes; it's most extraordi-
nary thing. l could have sworn l
packed some shooting boots. and
what's more extraordinary John here
says he could have sworn that he I'M
packed some but devil pair is to be
found. l suppose they can't have got
with yours?"
Come and see," said Michael. but
search though they did high and low,
l9. Carious' boots could not be found.
land l am afraid mine would be
rather tight for you," finally said
Michael I'm tell you what though"
ms happy thought seemed to strike
him; there are rows upon rows of
'bDts of all kinds in my uncle's dress
ing room; suppose we see if his will
nit you."
No sooner said than done; and in
another minute two pairs of stout
boots had been selected, and Michael
stood by while the doctor sat down to
ttry them on. The left foot was eX-
ecellently accommodated, and he forth
with set himself to negotiate the right
boot. But he was doomed to disap-
lpointment When half way on his
toes were banked of their expected
lodging.
Hello" he cried. this boots got
something in it; it's blocked up at the
end"
by Jove" said Michael. chow
Internally stupid OF me. forgot
all about that"
Forgot all about what?' said the
doctor quickly.
why, about my uncle's toes Of
course. Surely, you know he has none
on his right foot?"
mo toes on his right foot! Why.
whats become Of them?"
''Well, there, you ask me what a
good many people would like to know.
I'm sure l don't"
-'Do you mean to say seriously that
all your uncle's right boots are padded
like this because he's got no toes?"
We'll, you can go and see for your
self He's supposed to have lost them
Just before he went to New Zealand,
forty years ago. but Of course. nobody
lever refers to it."
Now you mention it too, of course
Mr.. Smith does walk bit lame.
always assumed the old gentleman wa:
routy. Indeed. he's said as much mort
than once"
That's what the lawyers call ,