Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1891-08-06
MIR. SMITHS TOES.

Michael, who was the son of u favOritt
sister, as being very promising lad
and he had secretly determined, if he
should prove as satisfactory as he
hoped, to bring about unior between
him and Lamia. A year age 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 adj
vent was too late. Only six weeks
before his arrival his pretty cousin
Lamia had engaged herself to DR..
Charles Carious.
We'll, uncle, " said Michael, as he
entered the room, there doesn't seem
much chance for me. | think / had
better be getting back to the land OF
the Kanucks."
Upon my word, Michael, I'm in
clined to think you are right. I've
just been speaking to Lamia again, and
| she seems as immOvable, if 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. | 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?'
NO, 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
too well for that"
After this there was a pause, and the
two men lit cigars and sat silent.
All of sudden Michael broke out
with:
II suppose all's fair in love uncle,
isn't it?n
But Mr.. Smith had fallen into a gen.
tie 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 week shooting to Rabnet manor.
Mr.. and Mrs. Smith and Lamar would
be away at Eastbourne the invitation
had said, but Michael Careless would
be there to do the honOrs. So it was
that the accepted sutton and his rival
found themselves tcte-a-tote 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 a ar and was ca
gerly listening. After few minutes
he 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.
I why, yes; it's a most extraordi.
nary thing. | could have sworn |
/ packed some shooting boots, and
what's more extraordinary John here
packed some, but devil pair is to be
found. suppose they can't have got
with yours?n
Come and see" said Michael, but
search though they did high and low,
DR.. CariOus' boots could not be found.
And | am afraid mine would be
rather tight for you" finally said
Michael. IN tell you what though, ."
as 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 mad 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
with set himself to negotiate the right
boot. But he was doomed to disap-
pointmenL 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?"
NO toes on his right foot! Why,
what's become of thcm?'
We'll, 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
nil your uncle's right boots are padded
Ike this because he's got no toes?"
Well you can go and see for your
self. He's supposed 10 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,
Mr.. Smith does walk bit lame.
always assumed the old gentleman was
equity. Indeed, he's said as much more
/ lIldll once.
That's what the lawyers call &
legal fiction, said Michael laughing a,
he led the way back into his uncle.
room.
A further examination showed tina
the boots and shoes for the right foo
were one and all blocked up inside fol
about oHe-third of their length from
the toes.
During the whole Of that day DR.
= Curious mind kept recurring to thu
subject. and do what he would
Michael could not prevent him from
continually dwelling on the mystery
The next morning at breakfast tn,
Hhtor announced his intention of re
T:ning forthwith to town. He hal
g said, received news which made i
impossible to tresspass longer on Mr.
.mith's hospitality. He was evidentl,
IN an extremely perturbed state o
mind, and, when Michael hoped h
had slept well, he answered shortl
| 81 l. L. 4 1