The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-10-01
THE BOY WAS BETTER.
And he C0uld Marry the Girl Any Time
He Desired


Smith entered Book Office with erect car
riage aud Incorporating hair. His
Good morning, sir had q crisp and
chilling sound.
Coed morning, sir, = echoed Book.
Neither offered to shake hands.
II understand that you have refused to
sanction the marriage Of your daughter TO
my son, said Smith, going straight TO
business
ssYes, sir
sWhyf''
81 don't care to enter into explanations. .
Oh, those are your tactics, heys'' snort
ed Smith. Don'b you Like my family,
AIr. Bockg''
'sI'm prejudiced in favor of nay own
That s something. You admit preiu-
dice. Did you ever hear Of any of my an
cestors being hung or committing arson,
robbery or treas0nS''
Really Mr. Smith, I have never been
sufficiently interested to Investigate, and
the presumed extent of your family con-
nections would make the task an appalling
one.
ssYou have known me for 90 years
Have I not lived a reputable life and
aInassed a fortune by honorable means?"
Admit it. I don't understand that you
are DESTROYS Of marrying into my family. p
No, thank the Lord. p
Amen, = cut in Book. But 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 feeb get tangled up, and he doesn' t know
what to do with his hands. If he has
brains, ne keeps the fact a profound So
cret .
Bob doesn't blow his own trumpet or
issue any notices that he intends setting
the harbor af1re. But he is a hard student
and already has two electrical Inventions
that viii make him a snug fortune. He
does not shine in society. because afflicted
with hereditary bashfulness was the
same way"
Here Book interrupted with q sheer, and
Smith turned on "a stronger current, But
when you say that hoy doesn It know what
to do with his hands you simply make an
ass of yourself"
Explain yourself sir
ssBob is Just about as clever with his
hands as any Of the amateur boxers. p
This was touching Book in his weakest
spot Hadn e he been one of the cracks in
college, and hRdn he enjoyed an occasion
al round or two with some friend ever
since9
Perhaps your sons ability in that d.
rection is also inherited. . he said insinu-
atingiy and with a glitter in his eye
I have always managed to take care of
myself -
Were 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 a little whirI to
cool off and get better acquainted
Oh, that would be foolish in two old
dodgers Ike Us, especially when we have
no love for each other. .
Book felt disappointed and used the
prod. Very well, Mr.. Smith, but if the
to know how he got his reputation as
sparrer. -
Bring out the rnitsp' roared Smith
you've made your insinuation. Now
wei see how you take your medicine. III
just throw these things on a chair, as he
stripped down to his shirt and made q
belt of his susPendors.
Lock the door, = said Book to his pri-
vebe secretary, and soon the two men, with
children old enough to marry, confronted
each other. They addled and danced for
a few seconds, when Book let go with his
right and soaked Smith in the ear
Good eyer yelled the secretary.
eth be a bad eye before I get through, .
growled Smith, who locked dangerous,
while Book wore an aggravating smile Of
confidence. He trusted to the same tao
tics again, bat this time Smith threw his
head aside and, as Book came with the
force of his blew, met him with a straight
jab from the left that threw his head back
between his shoulder blades, sent in a hor-
rible smash with the right and knocked
Book under a table eight feet away. He
crawled out the other side, got to his feet
in a very uncertain manner, leaned on the
table and Looked daggers.
"I'1 send you to the hospital for that,
Smith I'm something better than a raw
hand at hard hitting myself, - and Book
strokea the good eye that was now very
bad
oh. you couldn't knock down a man 3
salt Of clothes il you were an auctioneers
retorted Smith, who wanted more Of the
game and knew how to get it
I'm show your whooPed Book, who
made a rush and worked like a windmill.
went down 50 hard that the secretary
groaned. Book was badly punished, and
Smith suggested calling it a draw.
Never a drawn shouted Book. II
knew there was a yellow streak in you.
Smith.
I'm make you think it's a streak Of
lightning before we re through
ooh, you blow too muchP'
so does Corbett. Get to workr'
This time Book was wary, and Smith
took the aggressive. He tented at the
stomach with his left, and as Book dou-
bled up set his jaw rattling with the art
ist' S favorite
When Book was resuscitated, he feebly
inquired, Smith, is the boy IS good as
you are2'
Better -
Say. smith, don't you mention our
little friendly sport Send him up. I've
relented. . And when Sob called she told
him how shockingly dear papa had been
wounded by the explosion Of a bottle Of
fire extingnishing fluid. New York sun
Gay World