The Portland daily press., 1896-09-12
THE BOY WAS yBETTER.
aud He Could Marry the. Girl Any Time
He Desired

Their meeting was an ominous one
Smith entered Books Office with erect car
riage and uncompromistng hair His
"Good morning, SIR had crisp and
chilling sound
"Good morning, SIR" echoed Beck.
Neither offered to shake hands.
"I understand that you have refused to
sanction the marriage of granddaughter to
my son." said Smith, going straight to
business.
"Yes, sir
"whya'
81 dom It care to enter into explanations.
ooh, those are your tactics, hey?' snort
ed Smith "Don't you like my family,
Mr.. Bocki'
"I'm prejudioed in favor Of my own"
"That's something. You admit preiu-
dice. Did you ever hear of amy of my an
cestors being hung or committing arson,
robbery or treason?"
"Really, Mr.. Smith, have never been
sufficiently interested to investigate, and
the presumed extent of your family oon-
nections would make the taskan appalling
ene."
"You have known me for 20 years
! Have I not lived reputable life and
amassed a fortune by honorable means9"
admit It, don't understand that you
are desirous of marrying into my family"
"No, thank the Lord"
Amen" cut In Book. But candidly,
dom t AXE 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 conver-
sational ability. When hsss 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 a profound se-
| cret.''
"Bob doesn't blow his own trumpet or
| issue any notices that he intends setting
| the harbor aGre. But he Is hard student
| and already has two electrical inventions
| that will make him snug fortune. He
does not shine in society, because afflicted
| with hereditary bashfuiness / was the
| same way"
| Here Book interrupted with sneer, and
Smith turned on a stronger current, tBut
when you. say that boy doesn't know what
to do with his hands you simply make an
ass Of yourself "
Explain yourself, sir."
| tsBob 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 t he enjoyed an occasion
| al round or two with some friend ever
| since?
| perhaps your sons ability in that di-
rection is also inherited, " be 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. ! keep 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
codgers like us, especially when we have
no love for each other.
Book felt disappointed and used the
prod. Every we'll, Mr.. Smith, but If the
boy inherits your discretion I'm puzzled
to know how he got his reputation as a
sparrer.'
''Bring out the mitsr' roared Smith
you've made your insinuation. Now
We'll see how you take your medicine. I'll
just throw these things on a chair" as he
stripped down to his shirt and made a
belt Of his suspenders.
"Lock the door," said Book to his pri-
vate secretary, and soon the two men, with
children old enough to marry, confronted
each other. They f1ddled and danced, for
few seconds, when Book let go with his
right and soaked Smith In the ear.
Good eyer yelled the secretary.
It'll be a bad eye before get through, :"
growled Smith, who looked dangerous,
while Book wore an aggravating smile OF
confidence. He trusted to the same tao.
tics again, but this time Smith threw his
iIn I oI~
force of his blow, met him with a 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 daggers
"I'll send you to the hospital for that,
Smith. I'm something better than a raw
hand at hard hitting myself, and Book
stroked the "good eye" that was now very
bad.
''Oh, you couldn't knock down mans
suit Of clothes If you were an auctioneer, u
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 windmill
But this time he got 1t in the nose and
went down SO hard that the secretary
groaned. Book was badly punished, and
Smith suggested calling it draw.
sNever draw!' shouted Book. 81
knew there was yellow streak in you
Smith
"I'll make you think it's a streak oi
lightning before we're through"
"Oh, you blow too muchp'
$50 does Corbett Get to workt'
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 rattling with the art
lists favorite
When Book was resuscitated, he feebly
inquired, "Smith, is the boy as good a.
you areP'
Better
"Say, Smith, don't you mention oul
little friendly sport Send him up. I've
relented" And when Bob called she told
him how shockingly dear papa" had beer