The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1896-09-11
: THE soy WAS BETTER.
And He Could Marsy the Girl Any Time
He Desired.

II understand that you have refused to
sanction the marriage Of your daughter to
my son." said Smith, going straight to
business.
ayes, SIR"
"Why2'
"Idon't care to enter into explanations. :"
"Oh, those are your tactics, heyf" snort
cd Smith, Don't you like my family,
Mr.. BockP"
"I'm prejudiced In favor Of my own"
"That's something. You admit preju-
dice. Did you ever hear of any Of my an
robbery or treasonf''
Really, Mr.. Smith, have never been
sufficiently interested to investigate, and
tho presumed extent of your family con-
nections would make the task an appalling
one.'
"You have known mo for 20 years.
Have l not lived q reputable life and
amassed Il fortune by honorable meansp"
admit it. don't understand that You
are DESTROYS of marrying into my family"
"No, thank the Lord"
"Amen,' cut in Book. "Rut candidly,
don't like your son..
"Your daughter does"
"I'm the one you're trying to convert,
Mr.. Smith. The boy seems to lead an aim
less life. He Is utterly lacking in CONVEX
sational ability. When he's out In society,
his feet get tangled up, and he doesn't know
what to do with his hands. If he has
brains, he keeps the fact profound Sc
cret"
"Bob doesn't blow his own trumpet or
issue any notices that he intends setting
the harbor atlre. But he is a hard student
and already has two electrical Inventions
that will make him snug fortune. He
does not shine in society, because afflicted
with hereditary bashfulness. I was the
same way"
Here Book interrupted with a sneer, and
Smith turned on a stronger current, "But
when you say that boy doesn't know what
to do with his hands you simply make an
ass of yourself.
Explain yourself, SIR"
"Bob Is just about as clever with his
hands as any of the amateur boxers"
This was touching Book in his weakest
spot. Hadn't he been one of the cracks in
college, and hadn' t he enjoyed an OCCASION
oil round or two with some friend ever
SINGER
perhaps your sons ability in that d.
rection Is also inherited" he said insinu-
atingly and with glitter in his eye
81 have always managed to take care Of
myself"
"We're about the same age and weight,
Mr. Smith. I keep a couple of pairs of
gloves here just for the amusement of the
clerks Suppose we take little whirl to
cool off and get better acquainted.
"Oh, that would be foolish In two old
dodgers like us, especially when we have
no love for each other"
Book felt disappointed and used the
prod. Every well, Mr. Smith, but If the
boy inherits your discretion I'm puzzled
to know how he got his reputation as
sparrer"
Bring out the mitsn' roared Smith.
"You've made your insinuation. Now
we'll SEQ how you take your medicine. I'll
just throw these things on chair" as he
stripped down to his shirt and made a
belt of his suspenders
Lock tho door," said Book to his pri-
vate secretary, and soon the two men, with
children old enough to marry, confronted
each other. They flddled and danced for
few seconds, when Book let go with his
right and soaked Smith in the ear.
Good eye' yelled the secretary.
eth be a bad eye before get through"
growled Smith, who looked dangerous,
while Book wore an aggrayating smile of
confidence He trusted to the same tao
tics again, but this time Smith threw his
head aside and, as Book came with the
force of his blow, met him with straight
jab from the left that threw his head back
between his shoulder blades sent in hor-
rible smash with the right and knocked
Book under table eight feet away. He
crawled out the other side, got to his feet
In very uncertain manner, leaned on the
table and looked dsggers.
ON send you to the hospital for that
Smith. I'm something better than raw
hand at hard hitting myself" and Book
stroked tho good eye" that was now very
bad.
ooh, you couldn't knock down a mans
suit of clothes If you were an auctioneer,"
retorted Smith, who wanted more of the
game and knew how to get it.
"I'll show your whooped Book, who
made rush and worked like a windmill.
went down 30 hard that tho secretary
RIbdHtil. DUN was anu
Smith suggested calling it a draw.
"Ncver drawn shouted Book. IT
knew there was yellow streak in you,
Smith.
"I'll make you think it's streak Of |
lightning before we're through"
ooh, you blow too muchr'
$50 does Corbett. Get to work!''
This time Book was wary, and Smith
took the aggressive. He feinted at the
stomach with his left, and as Book dou-
bled up set his jaw rafting with the art
lists favorite.
When Book WAS resuscitated, he feebly
inquired, "Smith, is the boy as good as
you arei
Better"
"Say, Smith, don't you mention our
little friendly sport. Send him up I've
And when Bob called she told
him how shockingly dear papa" had been
by the explosion Of bottle Of
fire extinguishing fluid New York Sun
tay World