JACKO HAS THE LAST LAUGH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19840, 14 May 1927, Page 22 (Supplement)

JACKO HAS THE LAST LAUGH

Jacko never bothered to read the morning paper. He was not interested in the news, and couldn’t make out why people always wanted to read about what was going on. “I know it rained yesterday,” he said. “I don’t want to be told. ’ ’ But one morning he caught sight of something that really interested him. It was an advertisement, and it said that a foreign prince was staying in the country and wanted somebody to teach him the manners and customs. “State what salary required,” ran the advertisement. “Money no object.” Jacko’s eyes nearly darted out of his head. “There’s something to be said for the papers after all! ” he exclaimed. “I shouldn’t wonder if that job won’t suit me down to the ground.” But unfortunately Jacko wasn’t the only person to think that the job would suit him down to the ground. Adolphus saw the advertisement a few minutes later, a*.d was quite certain that it was the very thing for him. “Nobody could suit the Prince better than myself,” he said. When he heard that Jacko was thinking of answering the advertisement lie went off into fits of laughter. “He! He! That’s good!” he gasped. “I suppose Jacko thinks the Prince wants to learn how to climb trees and play marbles.’* Jacko was very indignant. He said he could teach the Prince far more than Aolphus could; but in his herat of hearts he was a bit doubtful, and at last he tore up the letter he was writing. “I suppose Adolphus will get the job,” he said gloomily. said gloomily. It really did seem as if Adolphus would get the job, for the very next day there was a knock at the door, and standing on the doorstep was a princely figure wearing a long, flowing garment and a turban. Mrs Jacko was very flurried. She dropped a deep curtsey as she showed the visitor into the parlour, and then ran to fetch Adolphus. “It's the Prince!” she gasped. “I declare it gave me quite a turn to find him on the doorstep. ’ ’ Adolphus rushed into the parlour and bowed very low to the Prince. And when he heard that he had got the job he nearly danced for joy. “Only I must teach you a little Court etiquette first,” said the Prince. “Whenever I come into the room you must go down on your knees and bow your head to the ground.” Adolphus was down in a twinkling. “That is good,” said the Prince approvingly. “And now you must wait till I give you the signal to rise.” Adolphus felt very pleased with himself at being such a fine courtier. After a bit the floor got very hard, and all his bones began to ache. But he didn’t dare to move till he had the signal. And when the signal did come it wasn’t quite what he had expected. “Coo! You do look silly!” said the Prince, slipping out of his robe. As usual Jacko had got the best of it!