Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 106, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 September 1899 — A Story of Professor Blackie. [ARTICLE]

A Story of Professor Blackie.

It is said that Professor Blackie often told this anecdote on himself. Tbs genial old professor used to form a very picturesque feature of the Edinburgh strets. He was a wiry old patriarch, with handsome features and hair falling in ringlets about his shoulders. No one who saw him could possibly forget him. One day he was accosted by a very dirty little bootblack with this: “Shine your boots, sir?” The Professor was impressed by the filthiness of the boy’s face. “I don’t want a shine, my lad,” said he. “But if you’ll go and wash your face I’ll give you sixpence.” “A richt, sir,” was the lad’s reply. Then he went over to a neighboring fountain and made his ablutions. Returning, he held out his hand for the money. “Well, my lad,” said the Professor, “you have earned your sixpence. Here it is.” “I dlnna want It,” returned the boy with a lordly air. “Ye can keep it and get yer hair cut”