Effectual.

Otago Witness, Issue 2106, 5 July 1894, Page 50

Effectual.

A rather good story is going the rounds of a certain man of public position who never fails to fulfil every engagement ho makes with the most t- crapulous vunetuality. Some time since he called on one of his tradespeople who was widely known for his neglect of almost every promise made in matter* of business, and by whom he had been often deceived.

" Now, when c-in I really have this work finished and sent home ? I have no wish to hurry you, but you mu6t definitely tell me, as I must no j be put off in this instance."

" Well." replied the tradesman. " there is not the slightest doubt that you shall have it on Friday next. If lam living it shall not on any account be later than that day."

The Friday evening came, but the work was not forthcoming, in spite of the positive promise.

Late at night the disappointed gentleman went to the office of the local paper and requested the adver ising clerk to announce in Saturday's issue the death of the tradesman ; and what was the surprise of the latter, on looking over the paper the next morning, to find his own deith recorded.

On demanding an explanation, he was referred to the gentleman, who, immediately he appeared professed to be astounded at seeing him alive.

" For," said he, " you promised in the most positive and solcmu mauuer that if you were living you would send me the work on Friday."

Th's sm >rt rebuke had iti desired effect upon the erring tradesman.