Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-11-19
LOADED CIGARS.
How a Victim was ReVenged by
Trapping a Practical Joker.

now slCtlm was HeVen1e0 by
Trapping a Practical Joker,
Prom the Albany tGd.) Ners end Adpertissr.
Loaded cigars are almost unknown at
this date. but there was time when they
played a conspicuous part in the fun of
this city. They were fret intr Oduced in
TO Albany about 1855 by u gentleman who
visited Savannah just prior TO the Christ
mas holidays of that year and brought
back "a box OF beautifully made cigars, the
appearance OF which gave no intimati0n OF
the IRE crackers that were concealed in
their symmetrical forms.
There lived in the city, at that time, an
old man whom everybody loved ana who
took liberties IN the way OF surreptiuously
extracting cigars exposed in vest pock-
cts. Livery one good-naturedly Dumored
the old gentleman, who was sure TO return
the favor with isterest.
The young man laid in wait for his
friend OF advanced years, and with a
crowd offun-lOying companions. TO whom
he had made known his Intention, took a
position on the principal street fire.
quented by him.
lie did not have long to wait, bit soon
saw him approach the little knot OF
friends. The young man, who was him.
self smoking, leaned back and pm fled his
fragrant Havana, at the same time ex-
posing his vest pocket filed with the
loaded cigars. The old gentleman slip
ped around and when in easy reach pur-
lotned what he supposed to be a fine
cigar. Lighting II, be entered vigorously
upon the full enjoyment of his smoke.
The anticipation of the deGouement in
spired the crowd with vivacity that eX.
hlbited itself in a lively conversation.
The old gentleman, blissfully unconscious
OF what was IN store tor him, drew in de-
light with every Whit of the delicious
cigar. Suddenly muffled report of the
fire cracker was heard, false teeth flew in
one direction and beaver hat in another.
The old gentleman slapped his hand be-
mind his Dead, and locked slowly around,
as II to see who shot him. A burst of
laughter revealed the trick. The old gem
tleman tuned and swore, and every drop
of has irish was excited TO full deter
mlnatlon tolnhict corporeal punishment.
la vain did the Young man plead for par
don. Nothing could appease mis- wrath or
heal his offended dignity. A bright idea
finally occurred TO the offender. Now,
Uncle sam, il you will let me of, we will
go around and play the trick on John
Doe. The old gentleman's cloUded face
was immediately illumined with the
brightness of merry smile. The idea
gained on him, and he laughed, and
laughed in anticipation OF the successful
perpetrati0a of the joke.
The CROWD moved over TO spot ire
quented by the intended victim, who was
great Tag. In smoking "a cigar he us.
ually h4lt-wav swallowed 1t, and rolled it
as sweet mOrse upon his tongue, all the
whilQ RECALLING his listeners with the
choVsest mots OF original wit.
a lew minutes sufiiced to attract him TO
gathering where he could enjoy the
privilege of beng heard. 1t was not
any minutes before he was putting away
1T loaded cigar which had the effect of
increasing his natural loquacitg, and the
eager listeners battered him with the
most pleased attenJiOn--all except The Old
gentleman " no WAS the first victim. Not
being able TO control is rising risiple. he
located himself in the rear, while supres-
sed laughter shook his frame. The grand
iiDale came Ike n clap OF thunder from a
clOudlesssky 10 the unsuspeeting smoker.
n more clarified aud puzzled look never
put period 10 asentence. Be wilderment
was depicted on every feature, while the
old gentleman laughed until great tears
stole down his iurrowed cheeks. His re-
venge was complete, and until his diving
day he could never recall the incident
without enjoying Mt OF immoderate
inuulfeT.