THE JESTER.

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 7, 18 October 1919, Page 18

THE JESTER.

A man reported to his friend that a lecture which he had delivered the evening before had proved soothing rousing, and satisfying to his audience. His sceptical comrades jeeringly demanded an explanation, which was given in the following terms:— . "It was soothing, for half the folks fell asleep; it was rousing, for the other half got up and went away; and it was satisfying, as they all declared that they wished never to hear that man again."

"There are five shillings," said the old gentleman to his grandson— "one for each birthday you have seen. What more could a littje fellow like you wish?" "Only that I was as old as you, grandpa," replied the young financier. He was only four feet in height and longing to do his bit. He had presented himself at the local drill hall for medical examination, when the, sergeant in charge espied him, caKied him out of the rank, and said to him, "It is not a bit of good you coining here, my little man; you have duck disease." "Duck disease?" said the little man. "What Jβ that?" "Your feet are too near you bod y," was. the reply.