THE MAN WHO WAS MIXED.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IX, Issue 454, 23 December 1881, Page 21

THE MAN WHO WAS MIXED.

" Really, but I hope you will excuse the intrusion," said the shabbylooking man as the insurance agent looked up. 41 You are excusable, sir. What did you wish ?" « "Well— you — see— l'm a bit mixed. Was it Napoleon or Washington who crossed the Alps?" " Napoleon, of course." 41 Just so— thanks. 1 "Was inclined that way myself, but yet I knew that General Washington was always scooting around, and he might have taken it into his head to cross the Alps. Good day, sir." He passed down the hall thirty feet, and then returned and protested : " Say, dou't think ill of me, but I am still mixed vp — dreadfully mixed. Will you answer me one more question ?" 44 Yes." 44 Was it Neio who commanded the sun to stand still ?" " No ; it was Joshua." 41 1 had an idea that it was Joshua, but I didn't dare put money on it. Nero was always fiddling around, you know, and I had a dim idea that he might have taken a whack at the sun. Very much obliged to you, sir." This time he went half way down stairs and returned on tiptoe. The agent looked up and saw him in the door, and sharply queried ; 44 Well?" "Mixed again !" pleaded the stranger. " Say, I want to ask you just one more question," 14 Yes." 44 Did you ever lend a man a dollar to help him on his way to Colnmbus to see his dying wife ?" 44 Never ! You are thinkiDg of Old Diogenes. He used to shell out to every dead beat that came along." 14 Mixed, again, by thunder !" muttered the man, as he passed down stairs.

Judge Davis, the Spiingfield Republican says, preserves hi* frugal habits. A. young friend found him the other day counting a roll of greenbacks. 4( Young man," he said, " this is the true way to [make money. Economy and saving. There is my stationary allowance. The senators are allowed 125 dols. for stationary. Too much, too much. I have used just 4 dols. worth, and am entitled to 121 dols. in cash, and here it is. Be economical and saving, young man."