FALSE ALARM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XII, Issue VII, 17 February 1894, Page 163

FALSE ALARM.

A Cambridge gentleman was asked to buy a ticket to the Bremen’s ball, and good naturedly complied. The next question was what to do with it. One of his two manservants would probably be glad to use it, but he did not wish to show favouritism. Then it occurred to him that he might bay another ticket, and give both of his servants a pleasure. Not knowing just how to proceed he inquired of a policeman where the tickets were to be had. • Why don't you go down to the engine house?’ said the ottiier. * The men all know you.’ So the old gentlemen went to the engine house ; but when he entered, there was no one in sight. He had never been in such a place before, but was perfectly familiar with the use of electric signals. On the side of the room was a button, evidentally connected with a bell, and, naturally enough, after waiting a minute or two, he put his thumb upon it. The effect was electrical in every sense of the word. Front the air overhead —so, at least, it seemed to the old gentleman, in bis bewilderment—men began to rain down, completing their toilets as they fell. The horses rushed out of their stalls, and, in a word, all the machinery of a modern engine-house was instantly in motion. Amid all this turmoil stood the mild-mannered and innocent old gentlemen, who, even now, did not suspect that he had touched the fire-alarm. The men rushed upon him for informa.ion as to the whereabouts of the Bre, but when he opened his mouth, it was only to say, in the mildest accents : * I should like to buy another ticket for the ball, if you please.’ The situation was so ludicrous that no one could be angry, not even the men whose nap had been broken into, and the old gentlemen bought his ticket and departed in peace.