THE COLOURED FORTUNE-HUNTER

Pete Jonsing went to see the County Clerk

About a marriage license, and the man

Said unto him for fun, but seriously:

“I hope the bride possesses fifty cents,

Because the Legislature’ s passed a law

That any girl with less must not be wed.”

“Jis’ go ahead wid dat’ ar paper, Boss,”

Peter replied; then whispered, bending down:

“Dar’ s rumers — and dey is reliable —

Dat de young woman dat I’ m goin’ fur

Has got two dollars and a quarter — shoa.

And dat’ s de reason wy I marries her.”