A GENTLE HINT

New Zealand Tablet, 19 October 1911, Page 2109

A GENTLE HINT

‘ When I was running a room of my own,' said a billiard player, ‘ the chalk disappeared at a tremendous rate, and I said to 'my helper: “Keep a better eye on the chalk, Jim. I’m no millionaire.” - ‘ “I know the gents wot pockets the chalk,” Jim said, “but they’re regular customers. I guess you wouldn’t want me to offend ’em, would you?” ‘“Well, no,” said I, “I wouldn’t. You might give them a gentle hint, though. Use your diplomacy.” ‘Jim, I found out later, used his diplomacy that night. He walked up to one of my best patrons, who had just pocketed a piece of chalk, and he said: ‘ “ You’re in the milk business, ain’t you, sir ?” ‘“Yes. Why?” the patron asked. ‘ “ I thought so,” said Jim, “ from the amount of chalk you carry away. The boss likes enterprise, and he told me to tell you that if you wanted a bucket of water now and then you could have one and welcome.” *