HIS NOT TO REASON WHY.

New Zealand Tablet, 5 August 1920, Page 46

HIS NOT TO REASON WHY.

A dear old gentleman noticed a laborer walking along a railway train and diligently tapping the wheels. Having nothing better to do, the old gentleman approached and asked : “How many years have you been working for this railway, my man?” ‘.‘Thirty-eight, sir,” replied the laborer, still continuing his work. “I suppose you have had many varied experiences in your time—plenty of change of occupation, I expect ?” “No, sir, I’ve always ’ad this same job. I’ve tapped the wheels of trains for eight-and-thirty years, sir.” “A long time, my man, a very long ’time : and if I may say so it shows a steady character. And by the —what is the reason for tapping the wheels ? Why do you do it?” The man stood up, scratched his head, and said, “I’m darned if I know.”