Mr. Clark was the leader of the Metamora Bar when I located there--
_and so continued._ My first case, and the compliment of somewhat
doubtful significance bestowed upon its termination, came about in
this wise. I was retained for the plaintiff before Squire Fairchild
in a suit involving the ownership of a calf of the alleged value
of seven dollars. It being my first case, and having the aforementioned
leader as my professional antagonist--and what was of far greater
consequence, a contingent fee of two dollars and a half trembling in
the balance--it may well be supposed that no effort was spared upon
my part. I won the case, of course--_what lawyer ever told about a
case that he had not won?_
The same evening a little group in the village store were discussing
the merits of the case, and comparing the forensic effort of the
new lawyer with that of the old-time leader already mentioned. At
length one Tobias Wilson, as he slid down from his accustomed perch
upon the counter, significantly observed, "Men, you may say what
you please, but for my part, I had ruther hear Stevenson speak
_two_ minutes _than to hear old Clark all day!"_