A WELL WELL DUG.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 9, Issue 78, 30 September 1898, Page 1 (Supplement)

A WELL WELL DUG.

In a small village in the Midlands, a labourer named Jim Paynter was employed to dig a well which had to be finished by a certain time, or the work then done would not be paid for. T 1 e man, being rather dilatory, did not commence operations till late, and only allowed himself \ time just sufficient to dig it. He commenced j one morning, anil had been at work about threeJ hours when, without any warning, the sides of i hole gave in, nearly filling it up again. He j was in despair, until at once he bethought him- j self there would be a gang of men passing this | spot directly on their way to work. Without I making any fuss, he carelessly threw his jacket and hat near where he had been digging, and, j hiding his shovel, climbed a tree near by to' watch. j Shortly the gang came along, and, seising the | state of affairs, came to the conclusion that the ' well digger was buried At once they commenced to dig him out. They worked away till the proper depth bad been reached Then Mr. Paynter came down and thanked them very much [ for their kindness. They were enraged at the f trick, of course, but Mr. Paynter didn’t mind* that. He was quite sure of getting the cash,/ as he had got the well dug in time.