A WORSTED TRADESMAN.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1580, 11 March 1887, Page 3

A WORSTED TRADESMAN.

The other day a navvy, come 6ft. 3io. in height, and of herculean build, went into the shop of one of the Worcester shopkeeper!, and asked if they had any M whirlers "—that is, stockings without feet, "No " quoth the shopkeeper,'but we have, got

some famous big and strong stockings as will just suit you. " " Let's ha'e a look at 'em," rejoined uhe navvy. The counter was immediately covered with a quantity. Our H arcules, selecting out the largest pair, said," What's the price o* them ?" "4s 91," was the rejoinder. " Can you cut feet off 'em?" was the next query. ,c certainly," was the answer. " Then do," was the laconic command. No sooner said than done; the shears were applied, and instantly the stockings were footless. " And what's the price on 'em now? " quoth our friend of the pickaxe and the spade, with all the composare imaginable. " Price of 'em now !" echoed the worsted merchant, surprised beyond measure at the absurdity—as he thonght—of the question ; " why, 4s 91 to bejsure." " Four shillings and ninepence!" quoth the navvy ;" 1 r,e'er guv more than Is 61 (putting the latter Bum on the counter) for a pair o' whirlert Pmy life." „ Well," replied the tradesman(chop-fallen and fairly outwitted), throwing the mutilations at him, " take them and be off with you. You've 'whirled' me this time, but I'll take good that neither you nor any of your roguish gang shall do it again as long as I live."