The Uniform of a Caste.

Observer, Volume XIV, Issue 793, 10 March 1894, Page 19

The Uniform of a Caste.

Scene : A barrister's chambers in Eliza-beth-street, Sydney. Frantic voice yelling over the bannisters, 'Hi ! stop him ! He's gotmyooat!'

Fortunately for the owner of the coat, a large Q.C. was just coming up the stairs and effectually blocked the way. The thief gave in at once and turned back. * It's very sad to see suoh a respectablelooking man going in for this sort of game,' said the Q.C. as he shepherded him up. ' I don't know what made me do it. I'm sure I don't know what me do it. Such a thing has never happened before/ said the respectable-looking man ; ' I suppose you'll send for the police ?' ' I nuppose I shall, ' said the owner of the coat, shortly, snatching it out of his hand. 'Edward' — to the suckling who acted as his clerk — ' go out at once and get a constable.'

Edward presumably looked diligently for a constable. Presently, however, he came back without one.

4 There's no p'leeeemen anywhere, air.' ' Damn fool !' said his master ;* I s'pose I'll have to go for one myself.' But his indignation had oozed oat considerably during the delay.

' Yes, it's inexpressibly shocking to see a man of so respectable an appearance in this position,' tentatively observed he to tie large Q.C.

'Very sad!' It was obvious they were somewhatinclinedto mercy. 'My God ! I'm sure I don't know how 1 could have done it. Never before, on my honour, never gentlemen,' declared the respectable-looking man, giggling convulsively.

' Poor devil, he's hysterical !' said the large Q. C. Aside : * Don't press it.' The owner of the rescued coat added.

* I know and you know,' he began, addressing the respectable-looking man, who was still wrestling with his hysterics ; 1 that, in the interests of society, I ought to hand you over to the police. But as you assure us it is the first time such a thing has ever happened, and, as you really seem to be a respectable man, tempted, perhaps, by severe distress, we'll say no more about it. You may go.' The man gulped down an aggressive fit of chuckles. 'Thank you, gentlemen. I don't know how it could have happened. On my honour, never again !' Then the Q.C. stood aside, and the res-pectable-looking man walked downstairs. The latter portion of his descent suggested the idea that he hardly yet realised that there was no necessity for bolting.

'Such a respectable-looking man!' soliloquised the Q.C. once more, as he returned to his chambers on the ground floor. # * *

Ten minutes later the owner of the recovered coat staggered into the Q.C.'h chambers, and dropped exhauaiedly into a chair.

' That — scoundrel !'

' What's the matter now ?'

' That— blackguard ! He had my hat on all the time. New a week ago. Twentyfive bob ! He left' me his !' — producing a billycock that a potato-bogger would have scorned.

'By Jove ! I noticed he had a tall hat on ; that's what made him look so respectable. Smart rogue V

Moral : Always wear a belltopper. It will deceive every one, even yourself. In a belltopper, you can rob your own brother. Yes, in a belltopper you can rob even the classes who go forth in belltoppers to rob, — Bulletin.

Belchamber and Co., Victoria-street for waterproofs. Any style you like made to order. Terms moat reasonable.

That well-known tailoring firm, A. Woollama and Co. (National Bank Buildings, Queen-street) have an announcement in our advertising columns respecting their specialities. The firm has now opened a special department for ladies' tailor-made garments. One glance at their prize-list will tell you what Woollams and Co. can do.

' John,' exclaimed a nervous Wellington woman last week, ' there's a burglar in the house. I'm sure of it.' John rubbed hiß eyes and protested mildly that it was imagination. 'No it isn't. I heard a man down stairs. ' So John took a box of matches and went down. To his surprise, his wife's suspicions were correct. Seeing that he was unarmed, the burglar covered him with a revolver and became quite sociable. • Isn't it rather late to be out of bed?' he remarked. « A-er-a-little-bit, ' replied John. • You're too late, anyhow, because Iv'e dropped everything out of the window, and my pals have carried it off.' ' Ob, that's all right. I'd like to ask one favour of you, though. ' « What is it ?' ' Stay here until my wife can come down and see you. She has been looking for you every night for the last twelve years, and I don't want her to be disappointed any longer.'