Not To Be Bluffed

The oíd man Bendigo keeps a pretty sharp eye on his daughter Mary, and many a would-be-lover has taken a walk after a few minutes' conversation with the hardhearted pavent. The oíd chap is struck this time, however, and cards are out tor the wedding. After the lucky man had been sparking Mary forsix montlis the old gentleman walked in as usual, requesting a private confab and led off with : "Yon seem like a nice young man, and perhaps you are in love with Mary 'i" "Yes, I am," was the honest reply. "Havn't said anything to her yet. have you ?" "Well, no ; but I think she reciprocates my affection." "Does, eh'i Well, let me teil you something. Her mother died a lunatic and there is no doubt Mary has inheritedher insanity." "I'm willing to take the chances, replied the lover. "Yes; but you see Mary has a terrible temper. .She has twice drawn a knife on me with the intentto commit murder." "I'm used to that - got a sister just like her," was the answer. 'And you know l've sworn a solerán oath not to give one cent of my property to Mary, " continued the father. "Well, l'd rather start in poor and build up. There's more romance in it." The old man had one more shot in his carbine, and said : "Perhaps 1 ought to teil you that Mary 's mother ran away from home with a butcher, and that all her relations died in the poor house. These things might bc thrown up in after years and I am now warning you." "Mr. Bendigo, l've heard all this before," replied the lover; and also that you were on trial for forgery, and had to jump Chicago for bigamy, and served a year in State Prison for cattle stealing. I am going to marry into your lamily to give it a decent reputation. There- no thanks- goodbyeV" Mr. Bendigo looked after the young man. with his mouth wide open, and when he could get his jaws together he said: "Some hyena has gone and given me away on my dodge."