TOO CLEVER BY HALF.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 150, 3 May 1879, Page 2

TOO CLEVER BY HALF.

Strolling players, especially when they happen to be Yankees, have a repuation for smartness, but occasionally they meet in with more than their match. Quite recently one of these gentlemen had an adventure in Ashburton which, if over he writes his biography, ho will be able ro include among his bitter experiences. He had occupied tho Town Hall for a couple

of evenings, when it occured to Kim: that he ought-to retain posession of-the; key. of tho side door. Tho keepor was spoken to on tho-subject, Jonathan pointing out that his object for retaining the- koy was to be able to reraovo bis valuables in'ease of a firo at night. Although yielding, the hall-keeper thought ho smelt a rat, so after tho hall had been looked up for tho night, he returned, and quietly barricaded the side entranco, About six next morning' in express stood in readiness opposite tho door, and Jonathan was to be seen vainly endeavouring to gain admission with tho view of removing his effects to tho railway station, in time for the down train to Dunedin. The hallkeeper was also on the alort, and like an early bird ho caught the worm. " Hilloa," he remarked, "I didn't hear the sound of fire," "No,I guesb not," repled Jonathan "but something's wrong with this here door: the darned tiling won't work." "No, friend,"l believe it wants a seven guinea key to open it just now. When you settle for the hall you can get your traps." "Why, you don't think me a rogue do you ? said the othei getting a little excited. Oh ! no," was tho cool reqly, "but I'm not a now chum. Wo • never leave these things to chance in in these parts." There was a slight discussion ending in the would be Mr Sloper offering the hall keeper five guineas in payment in full. " AVhy you see we've done rather badly," said the persuasivestranger, " take the fiver, and if tho directors say a word about it, I'll remit the rest," " Ah, no," was the resolute rejoinder, "that's not my stylo of doing business. Pay me the seven guineas, and if the directors allow'anything.off I'll send it after you." . The money was paid, the luggage was released, and with the exclamation, " tarnation cute people in these parts," Mr ' Jonathan winged his wav to the railway station-