THE WAITER HAD HIM AT LAST.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1262, 7 May 1896, Page 11

THE WAITER HAD HIM AT LAST.

At a Now York restaurant, recently, a man from Southern Illinois came tc dine. Ho had been told all about tho high prices, and he entered the restaurant with a determination to resist all attempts to hold him up. He studied a bill of fare until tho waiter at his elbow grew tired and went to the other side of the table to take the order of a Chicago man who had just entered. " What's this here Now England boiled dinner ?" asked the Illinois man of the Chicago man, as tho impatient waiter went off to fill the hitter's order.

" Corned beef and cabbage, principally," replied the Chicago man. It was the cheapest dish on tho bill of fare ; but it evidently did not suit the Illinois visitor, and he resumod his study of Mr French's libretto. Pretty soon his faco lighted up. His eye had caught two items. Ono was, "mashed potatoes, no charge." Ho saw a chance to beat the caterer; and when the waiter returned to take his order, ho said : " Bring mo some bread and butter, somo mashed potatoes, and a glass of water."

The waiter looked tired, but ho went away, and the Illinois man winked at tho Chicago man. The order came, and with it a check for 20 cents.

" What's that for'?" queried tho Illinois man. " This bill says there's no oharge for bread and butter or mashed potatoes* What's the 20 cents for ?" " For the water," said the waiter. And the Illinois man paid the fine without a murmur.