Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/161

Rh for," said the judge. "How would you like to go into partnership with me?"

"I'd like that very well—if I am equal to it," was the quick answer, and shortly after that a partnership was formed which continued until the able judge's death.

The forming of this partnership increased McKinley's income, but it likewise increased his work, until it was said that he was one of the busiest lawyers in Stark County. He was conscientious to the last degree, and had the fullest confidence of all who placed their cases in his hands. Said one merchant of him:—

"During his law career McKinley and his partner took up three cases for our firm. They won two and lost the other. At first we were angry at losing that last case, but looking back, I am satisfied that McKinley did all that any lawyer could do, and more than many would do. A similar case was tried in Philadelphia by the leading lawyers of that city and fell through just as ours did."

As a general thing law cases make rather dry reading, but there was one case which McKinley tried which was full of humor.