THE VENTRILOQUIST

New Zealand Tablet, Volume 13, Issue 7, 13 February 1908, Page 38

THE VENTRILOQUIST

Frederick McCabe, the ventriloquist, was a great practical joker. Several years ago he was on board a Mississippi River steamboat," and forming" an acquaintance with the engineer, was allowed the freedom of the engine room. He took his seat in a corner, and pulling his hat down over his eyes, appeared' lost in reverie. Presently a certain part of the machinery - began to squeak. The engineer oiled it and went about his usual duties. In the course of a few minutes the siueaking \yas heard again, and the engineer rushed over, oil- can in hand, to lubricate [the same spindle. Again, he roUirned to his post; but it was only, a few minutes until the same old spindle was -squeaking louder than ov T er. 'Great Jupiter,' he yelled, 'the thing's bewitched:' More oil was administered, and the engineer began to smell a rat. Prettty soon the spindle squeaked again, and, slipping; up behind McCabe, the engineer squirted a half-pint of oil down the joker's back. 'There,' said he—' I guess that spindle won : t sq/ueak any more !' It didn't. i