Fqual to the Occasion.

Otago Witness, Issue 2665, 12 April 1905, Page 77

Fqual to the Occasion.

Admiral Cotton, of the- United States navy, ia responsible for an interesting story.

On one occasion be sat at a dinnei party beside a oerrain English bishop noted for his wit. Near the bishop was a millionaire manufacturer, a stout man, with a loud, coarse laugh who ate and drank a good deal and cracked every little while a stupid joke.

One of his jcikes was levelled at the brilliant bishop, whom he did not know from Adam. It was enough for him that the bishop's gart was clerical. He was a parson ; here, therefore, was a chance to poke a little fun at the parson's trade.

" I have three sons," he began in a loud ten©, nudging his neighbour and winking towards the bishop — "three fine lads. They are in trade. I have always said that if ever I had a stupid son I'd make a parson cf him."

The millionaire roared out hi« discordant Is ugh, b-ut th^. bishop said with his qu : t-ii smile, "Your father evidently thought differently." — Tatlcr.