A Profitable Profession.

Manawatu Herald, 17 January 1893, Page 2

A Profitable Profession.

When poor Fred Archer was savaged by Muley Etlris during exercise hours at Newmarket in the spring of 1880, he was recommended to seek the advice of Sir James Paget.' After the eminent surgeon had examined the wound — the musc'es of the arms had been badly lacerated — Archer inquired how long it would take to heal. " Oh," said Sir James, " I think you will be all right in three weeks or a month." " But shall I be fit for the Derby ?" " Ye-es — oh, yes 1 I think you may go to the Derby." " But you don't quite understand me, Sir James," persisted the jockey ; " I mean, shall I be fit to ride ?" " Better -drive — better drive !" was the reply. Archer, rather taken aback at this very innocent and unexpected rejoinder, had to explain. "I'm afraid, Sir James, you scarcely recognise who I am." " No," said the surgeon, pplitely, referring to his visitor's card. " I see I' have the honour; of serving Mr Archer, but—" " Well, Sir James," replied the jocky, " I suppose I may say that what you are in your profession I am in mine ;" and he proceeded to explain what that profession was. The famous surgeon, on hearing of the status of his visitor, became greatly interested in the case, and being told that failure to' ride at Epsom would entail a los 3of some £2,000, inquired politely ot Archer what his income was. " About £8,00 in round figures," Archer is reported to have replied. " You may well say that what I am in my profession you are in yours," Sir James remarked 1 "I only wish that mine was half as profitable." — Sporting Bits.