Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/159

Rh "I will look the case over first and see what it's about," was the brief reply.

The young lawyer did look the case over, and the next day offered his services to the opposite side, should the case be brought to court. At this the miserly old soldier was furious.

"You deceived me!" he cried. "You said you would take the case for me."

"Not at all. I said I would look the case over," answered McKinley.

"I will get another lawyer, who is much smarter than you," roared the unreasonable man.

"You can do as you please about that," was the calm answer, "only be sure and pay the other lawyer a fair fee."

The old soldier did get another lawyer, a man with whom McKinley happened to be well acquainted. Just before the trial the two lawyers met and passed a few words about the case.

"Whether you win or lose, be sure to make your client pay you fairly for your services," cautioned McKinley, and then told of what had before occurred. The other listened attentively to the story, and