The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1831-1858, 1832-06-06
A PRACTICAL JOKE.

During the last summer two elderly gen.
tlemen Of rather austere manners, who were
strangers to each other, were in the habit
OF occasionally visiting Il celebrated Coffee
House in London. Being both rather mig
gardiy IN their habits The waiter had never
received from either his customary fee and
indignant at thus being neglected, the ras-
cal only waited for an opportunity to play
or upon them a practical Joke. This op-
portunity soon arrived.
One afternoon Mr.. Jenkins, ore of the
eeh'ienen IN question, came 10 the public
room, DOT mining it occupied by set of ]o-
s'ai leIiows, who were somewhat disposed
~ ne NOISY, he turned in disgust to the
wafer, and requested him to show him into
private APARTMENT, and furnish him with a
ruP OF coffee, pipe, and newspaper
ooon alter, Mr.. JONES' the o:her gentleman
VINO had rendered himself obnoxious to the
waiter, alse came in, and made similar
request. The waiter expressed his regret
mat 1t was not in his power to comply with
MS request. as the apartments were all oc-
cupled. But" said he, as if the idea sud-
denly occurred to him, There is a gentle
man IN No. 5, who presume would have
no objection to sharing his room with you
but, perhaps, you may not be pleased with
DIS company, as unfortunately, he is quite
deaf"
80, that is of little consequence said
Mr.. Jones, "Give my respects to the gen.
tleman, and ask him if he will admit me in
to his company"
The waiter departed, and entered into
the apartment where Mr.. Jenkins was wad-
ing through tremendous paragraph relat-
ing to the French Revolution. "Sir.n said
the wag, there is very respectable ell
derly gentleman below, who is DESTROYS of
retiring to private apartment, but unfor-
tunately our rooms are all filed with CON-
Pany. II you will be so obiging as To-"
Send him up" replied Mr.. Jenkins, 81
shall he happy to have his company"
But" resumed the waiter. "the Door
man labors under great infrmity, he is as
deaf as a post.'
. am sorry for that" said Mr.. Jenkins.
as l wished to have some particular chat
about the extraordinary events which have
recently taken place in France. But never
mind, send him up"
~, Mr. Jones was accordingly introduced
Inc TWO gentlemen bowed looked hard at
each other without speaking, and pulled
IVY Ut ehcIi pipes LOT some Time.
At last Mr.. Jenkins bayled out, swell,
sir, what do you think of Lafayette? 2"
think he is most worthy man. and an
honor to the human race" screamed Mr..
Jones at the top of his voice.
lie Is an extra ordinary man, sir he is
a great man-he is the hero of three Revo-
iutlons: would not exchange his fame for
that OF any name on record" continued Mr..
Jenkins, still bawling to the infinite ieopar-
dy of his lungs.
My dear SIR" said Mr.. Jones with the
voice OF Sten;or, "you need not bawl so
loud: You absolutely stun me- am not
deaf"
THAT rascal of waiter told me Won
were," said Mr.. Jenkins in his natural voice.
" He told me the same story about you,"
hoarsely vociferated Mr.. Jones.
"Spare me, my dear SIR" exclaimed Mr..
Jenkins, holding up both his hands" or
the drums of my ears will burst. Ian, no
more deaf than YOURSELF"
Indignant at the trick which was PLAYED
them, they rung the bell for the waiter and
when he appeared with most provoking
leer upon his features, they asked him what
he deserved for such Impairment conduct.
4" suppose, gentlemen, deserve what
| am in the habit of receiving from you"
"What is iha' %
Nothing" So saying he coolly walk
cd Off.-Ereter Mems Letter.