Breaking the Silence.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 72

Breaking the Silence.

A certain nTan of letters entertained at dinner a number of eminent contemporaries. Several of the courses had been served before it became obvioua that Professor Srr.ytho and Professor Browne, who were seated side by side and were on the worst of terms, were apparently oblivious of each other's presence, while assiduously devoting themselves to the viands before them. Professor Smyth©, being rather a sensitive man, presently became cognisant of the attention he was inviting on himself. Therefore, crushiing his enmity for the time being, he turned to his adversary and, in a most engaging manner, said : "Browne, my head rings; can you account for it?" For a moment Professor Browne's brows oontraoted, while courtesy and animosity contended. Then he smiled indulgently as he replied : "Naturally; it is hollow." The silence became oppressive. Finally it was broken by Profeasor Smythe, who aaked : "And does your head never ring, my friend?" "Never," :ame the response. "Ah," reflectively, "so I thought. It is cracked." And each philosopher applied himself diligently to the course before him.