BAD SPIRITS RETAILED.

West Coast Times, Issue 2837, 7 May 1878, Page 3

BAD SPIRITS RETAILED.

A gentleman determined to " play the Devil " at a fancy ball. A Jew costumier furnished the desired dress, but it was found out too late that the tail had been left behind. How to supply the nrssing article ! Some one vulgarly suggested a visit to a ain-palace, where " bad spirits " are retailed ; but the adviser was treated with contempt. Suddenly a brilliant idea suggested itself to the poor tail-less demon. He went to an umbrella shop, where he invested in the strongest shiny umbrellaskin. Then at a fishmonger's he selected a fine healthy eel, in most active condition just large enough to slip into the umbrella case, the ring at the further end allowing him room to breathe. The case, when attached to the dresg, presented the appearance of a most lively tail in perpetual motion, wriggling and writhing;— now twined round the wearer's neck, now round, his waist, his arm, his leg — now moving aimlessly in mid-air, or darting suddenly towards some startled passer-by. In short, it was a complete success and matter of amazement to all beholder?, but to none more so than the Jew owner of the costume, who offered any amount for the secret of the animated addition to his property, now so '' deuced well entailed."