The Joke Rebounded.

Otago Witness, Issue 2695, 8 November 1905, Page 83

The Joke Rebounded.

The firm of Penne and Quille had ongaged a new shorthand clerk, a lad of ?A, and on the morning when he started work he was so timid that even Fatboy, ihe whilonr. junior, was able to order him about with gusto. "Look here, youngster," said Fatboy, peremptorily, "I've got instructions to pub you through your facings. How many words can you do?" "Eighty a minute," answered the rew boy meekly. - "Than, get your note-book and take this down."

And Fatboy proceeded to dictate tLe following : — " I am the new office-boy, and I hereby acknowledge that it is my duty to obey my superiors, fetch ginger-beer and twopenny pies for the clerks, mend the fires, and generally behave like an obedient and cringing lackey. All this lamto do for the sum of 10s per week, paid to me by Penne and Quille, one of the most miserable firms in existence, who work tlieir employees until they are ready to drop, and reward them wkh cuffs and hard words." The boy dutifully took down this wonderful oration, and when Fatboy came to a stop the 'clerks in the office fairly roared with laughter. "Isn't that prime, boys?" said Fatboy, proudly. His companions poured out their x>ngratulations, and Farboy -vvas in the height of his glory when Mr Quiile came in s\iddenlr. * ....

"Halloa, my boy,"' he said kindly to the newcomer, "what have you been doing?" . "Taking down shorthand, sir,"' answered the meek one.

'■Indeed! that's very good. Can you read it now that you've written it?"' '"Yes, sir."

"Then lot me hear it. my lad." And then, amid an awestruck silence, tl.e , new clerk read the shorthand out with innocent and painful distinctness. Mr Quille listened in polite surprise, thanked the new boy, and without another word walked upstairs. Five minutes later Fatboy was closeted with the partners, and got such a dressing-down that he never again tried tricks upon new clerks.