Like others in public life, he now and then gave offence to his constituents. He had voted for a bill to increase the pay of members of Congress from six dollars a day to a salary of fifteen hundred dollars a year. To the farmers of Kentucky this amount seemed far too great. He one day met an old hunter who had always voted for him, but was now determined to vote against a man so extravagant in his ideas!
"My friend," said Clay, "have you a good rifle?"
"Yes."
"Did it ever flash?"
"Yes; but only once."
"What did you do with the rifle when it flashed?—throw it away?"
"No; I picked the flint, tried again, and brought down the game."
"Have I ever flashed, except upon the compensation bill?"
"No."
"Well, will you throw me away?"