CARRIED THE DAY.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 209, 13 November 1897, Page 2 (Supplement)

CARRIED THE DAY.

YotJNO Tompkins was a pood sort of fellow and promisinir in his professsion. He was studying law with Mr Keen. It tamed out that young Tompkins became acquainted with a pretty girl, daughter of old Talbot. He adored the fair maiden, and when he had reasons to believe that his passion was rcciprocited, he asked Keen to recommend him to the pater, the lawyer being exceedingly intimate with the family. Ibis was lone : but old Talbot, who appreciated the worth of cash, asked what property the voting man possessed. Keen said he hardly knew, but would inquire. So the next time he saw the yung student, he asked him if he had any property. " Only health, strength, and a determination to work," was the reply. " Well," caid the lawyer, who sincerely thought the student, -was in eveiy way worthy, " let us fee. What will you take for your right leg ? I will give you £SOOO for it, Tompkins." Of course, Tompkins marvelled at such an offer and refused it. The next time Keen saw the young lady's fuller, he said : "I have inquired about this young man's circumstances. He has uo money in the bank, but owns a piece of property for which, to my certain knowledge, he has been offered and has refused £5000.' This led old Talbot to consent to the engagement and subsequent marriage In the end he had occasion to bo proud of his sjn-in-law, though he was once heard to remark, touching the rare piece of property upon the strength of which ho had consented to the match. "If it could not take wings, it was liable at any time to walk off !"