A STORY OF PHIL MAY.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 15, Issue 30, 15 April 1904, Page 2

A STORY OF PHIL MAY.

Th* last tun* I saw May (says a write* In the " London Leader ”) was at the great'Mop Fair at Strat-fard-on-Avon where they roast bullocks whole and hold high carnaval in boisterous Old English fashion. Phil woe in the crowd that had gathered to watch a very clever gentleman who was wrapping up sovereigns and half-crowns in pieces of paper, and selling them for 2s. The “ sharp ” had a beautiful face—suoh a face as Phil May loved to draw. So ha sketched him furtively. But the gentleman saw him and made a speech forthwith : "If that there celebrited portrit painter, with the tight breeches on, will ’anp up the picter, the equally celebrited benefactor to ’omanity wot is givin’ away quids fer coppers will reward ’im'accordin’ " he shouted. Phil, with a twinkle in his eye, handed up the drawing. The conjuror was delighted with the sketch, and pinned it to the tailboard of his cart. With another preliminary speech ho throw three sovereigns and several half-crowns into a piece of paper, screwed it up, and handed it to the artist, ’’ You’ll be President jof the bloomin' B'yal Academy, some dye, young man,” said he. "Here, 1 catch ! " " A bargain's a bargain,” said May walking oft' with the packet of gold and silver. Ho confessed afterwards when he opened the packet and found two j pennies and a halfpenny in it it was ' t'he most entertaining commission ho bad ever been paid for.