The Forrest City times., 1891-08-14
MIR. SMITHS TOES.

sister as being a very promising lad, and he had secretly determined, if he should prove as satisfactory as he hoped, to bring about 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 sanguine expectations. But his ad- vent was too late. Only six weeks before his arrival his pretty cousin Lamia had engaged herself to Dr.. Charles Curious.
 Well, uncle" said Michael, as he entered the room, "there doesn't seem much chance for me. 1 think l had better be getting back to the land of the Kanucks.
 Upon my word, Michael, Pm in- clined to think you are right. I've just been speaking to Lamia again. and she seems as immoyable, if not more determined than ever. By the by, did you dine with Curious when you were in town?a
 'Oh, yes, l 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 I was ever in the field at all I can't say that I like him, though doubtless he is clever at his profession. But uncle, do you really think she cares for the doctorpn
 No, candidly, Michael, between you and me and the post 1 don't think she does a 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. l wish to goodness he would grow tired of her, but I'm afraid he knows which side his breads buttered too well for that"
 After this there was pause. and the two men lit cigars and sat silent
 All of sudden Michael broke out with:
 Il suppose all's fair in love, uncle, isn't it?''
 But MT. Smith had fallen into gen. tie sleep. and took no heed.
 A week later in response to an invi- tation from his prospective father-in- law. Dr. Charles Curious 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 be there to do the houors. So it was that the accepted suitor and his rival found themselves tete-a-t 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 gaiters and shooting boots. But Michael, alone in his room, seemed in no hurry to get ready. He had left his door ajar and WAS ea- gerly listening. After few minutes he heard the doctors bell ring violent ay, 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. I could have sworn I packed some shooting boots, and what's more extraordinary John here says he could have sworn that he un- packed some, but devil pair is to be found. suppose they can't have got with yours9"
 Come and see" said Michael but search though they did high and low. Dr. Curious boots could not be found l
 And I am afraid mine would be l rather tight for you" finally said ''Tll tell you what though" as a happy thought seemed to strike him; ''there are rows upon rows of | boots of all kinds in my uncle's dress ing room; suppose we see if his will | fit 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 try them on. The left foot was ex- cellently accommodated, and he forth 1 with set himself to negotiate the right l boot But he was doomed to disap- pointment. When half way on his toes were baulked of their expected 
 Hello" he cried, .this boots got something in it; it's blocked up at the end"
 By Jove," said Michael '.how internally stupid of me. forgot all about that"
 Forgot all about whatp' said the doctor quickly.
 .4Why. about my uncle's toes of course Surely. you know he has none on his right footP"
 No toes on his right foot! Why. what's become of themp" | Well. there, you ask me what a good many people would like to know. I'm sure don't"
 ..Do you mean to say seriously that all your uncles right boots are padded like this because he's got no toesp"
 Well. 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 ever refers to it.'
 ..Now you mention it too, of course, Mir. Smith does walk bit lame. l always assumed the old gentleman was gouty. Indeed, he's said as much more than once"
 That's what the lawyers call a legal fiction, said Michael laughing as he led the way back into his uncle's room.
 A further examination showed that the boots and shoes for the right foot were one and all blocked up inside for about one-third of their length from tho toes.