Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 December 1907 — Took It Literally. [ARTICLE]

Took It Literally.

It is told of the late Chauncey Shafer, who bears the same relation to New York's “anecdotage” that Sydney Smith does to London’s, that he emplQ.yed in bis law_offl<te a stunt,aLyouth of very tractable temperament One day Mr. Shafer returned from lunch In a lively mood and, b/ token of the madelra he had consumed, summoney Billy into his private office. “Boy,” he said carelessly, “go over to the special term and see what In they’re doing up there.” The late Judge .Brady was presiding over the trial of an action Involving many interesting questions of substantive law; hence the courtroom was empty save for the litigants, their counsel and the necessaiy witnesses. Judge Brady’s kindliness toward women and children was proverbial, and when Billy stood against’ the railing of the inclosure, his face barely reaching the balustrade, the judge noticed him immediately. He Interrupted the arguments of counsel and turned to Billy? “Well, my lad,” he said in suave, judicial assents, “what can I do for you?” v ■ “I’m from Mr. Shafer’s office,” Billy repied, “and he wants to know what In you’re up to over here.” —Success Magazine.