Sir James Paget and Fred Archer.

Waipawa Mail, Volume X, Issue 1034, 15 January 1887, Page 3

Sir James Paget and Fred Archer.

Archer, having been bitten or otherwise injured by a horse on one occasion, called On Sir James Paget. The eminent surgeon having bound up bis wound, Archer requested to know how long it would take to heal. rt Ob,” said Sir James, “ I think in three or four weeks you will be all right.” “ But shall I be fit for the Derby ?” asked Archer. “ Yc-es,” was tlio reply. “Oh, yes! I think you may go to the Uerby. ’ “No, but you don’t quite understand me, Sir James,” persisted the jockey. “ I mean shall I be fit to rule ?” “ Well I don’t know,” was the answer. “ Better drive ; better drive !” Archer, rather taken aback by this very innocent and unexpected rejoiner had to explain. “lain afraid, Sir James, you scarcely realize who I am ?” “No,” said the surgeon, politely, referring to the patient’s visiting card. “I see 1 have the honour of receiving Mr Archer, but ” “Well,” said Archer, “ I suppose that vrtiat you are in your profession, Sir James, that I am in mine,” and proceeded to tell him what his profession was. The famous surgeon, on learning the status of his visitor, was at once greatly I interested, and asking him eagerly many questions, among others, What would be nis loss supposing lie should be unable to fulfil the Derby engagement ? to which Archer replied : “ Abont £2,000.” His average annual income he stated (if I mistake not) to be about £B,OOO ; upon Sir James is said to have remarked : ‘You may well say that what I am in my profession that you arc in yours. I only that my profession were half as profitable as yours. Pall Mall Gazette. J