182 THE FOGY DATS AND NOW ; 



Now Martha was but a country lass, 

 And Fo she'd stepped upon the rink, 



Although her dress was sort of shabby, 

 'Twas said she had a business wink. 



And so I left my parental home 

 And steered my charger west-ward ho ? 



My fortune in my britches pocket, 

 Lit out, struck the grit, off did go 



For Atlanta, in a bee-line course. 



Here, forty years ago, I landed. 

 'Twas not long till my funds were gone, 



Till my finances all were stranded. 



When I found I'd have to hump it; 



Fortune favored in my behalf, 

 A new thing had just then started, 



And I struck for the telegraph. 



To President Foote I boldly went, 

 Applied for the Atlanta position. 



He asked if I was an expert, 

 I said, to be, was my intention. 



Told him I'd never seen the thing. 

 But reckoned a fellow might learn. 



Astonishment seemed on his face, 

 Tho't he said, well, you-be dern. 



I told him I wan't afraid of work, 

 Then looked him right straight in the face. 



Said he, young man, may be, you can ; 

 Go try, if so, can have the place. 



I'll ne'er forget his kindly face, 

 When as learner I was installed ; 



I made the riffle, caught on the lick, 

 By no obstacles was appalled. 



