He'll Steal Your Shoes.
This expression is used ia China to describe an arrant knave and pilferer. It is hundreds of years old, and is based on an adventure perpetuated through the medium of decorated crockery ware. A wealthy Chinaman, whose gorgeously em- - broidered shoes were the envy of the community, was, according to the legend, despoiled of his pride in -the following manner :—: — A rascal one day rushed up, and gave the rich man a hearty blow on the back, and seizing the astonished man's hat pitched it upon a high wall. The next moment the fellow seemed to discover that it was not an old friend whom he was greeting so enthusiastically, and apologised profusely. 44 How Bhall I get my hat ? " inquired the man with the beautiful shoes 44 Jump on my back and you can reaoh it," replied the schemer. The suggestion was carried out, but while the hatless man was reaching for his head covering, the rascal slipped off the handsome shoes and made away, leaving the trusting and simpleminded millionaire clutching the wall.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW18940222.2.139.9
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 2087, 22 February 1894, Page 49
Word Count
179He'll Steal Your Shoes. Otago Witness, Issue 2087, 22 February 1894, Page 49
Using This Item
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.
Log in