Hot Springs Weekly Star

HE TURNED THE TABLES

A Modern Young Man and a Frowning Papa.

He was a mild young fellow, and, as his sweetheart imagined, without much force of character, as he kept putting off the 'ask papa' day indefinitely. So the young woman prompted him to be sure he was right and go ahead.

'You see, papa has a great deal of bluff and bluster, but when you come right down to it he is perfectly safe. Only you must show him that you have lots of pluck—real grit, that's what he likes.'

'All right; suppose you ask him to step in now. I may as well get my hand in, if that is the way it works.'

'But, dearest, he is awful big and strong, you know.'

'Oh, if it comes to personal violence, I will defend myself with the furniture. Trot him in!'

'And you won't let him bluff you?'

'Not a bluff!'

'Then I'll tell him you want to see him.'

There were two chances of escape for the young man, one by way of the door, the other by the window, but he did not avail himself of either. When the father strode into the room, with his best knock-down-and-drag-out air, the youth rose indifferently to meet him.

'Well, well, what's all this about? I understand you want to see me. Well, look at me now, and be quick about it,' growled the pater.

'H'm. Can't say as you're much to look at, Mr. —. I merely wish to mention to you that Miss Clara has engaged herself to me with my consent, and I propose to fill my part of the contract to the letter.'

'Idiot! Idiot! My daughter—'

'Take care, old man. Call me as many names as you please, but refer to my future wife with proper respect.'

'Get out of this house, you—'

'Certainly. As soon as my wife— that is to be—can conveniently pack up her belongings, we will go.'

'Why, you impudent—'

'Oh, keep cool, keep cool! I could hold you out of the window with one hand and call for the police with the other. I was champion hitter and slugger at college. Look at that muscle,' and he clinched a No. 7 hand into a really formidable fist.

'I never was so—'

'Nor I. Call it quits. I want your daughter, and I don't care a continental for your money or your blessing. We can begin the world without either just as other young folks have done. This is business, sir, business.'

The father felt of his own head to see if he was going to have an apoplectic fit, then answered grimly:

'All right; I like your style. I should have said yes, anyway, if you had given me time, but you took me by surprise. I may say I was never so surprised in my life.'

'Nor I,' assented the lover, as he sunk almost fainting into a chair, 'but I'm a hustler, and don't you forget it! I don't stand any foolishness, either in love or war.' and he wiped the cold perspiration off his forehead with a nervy hand.

He had won the day and the girl.