The farmers' union., 1891-04-09
FOUR SIDE POCKETS TO THAT
COAT.
An Old Man finds Some Cigarettes But
Loses His Cigars.

Loses His Cigars.
An old man with fiorid face sat in
a restaurant the other da~ talking busi-
ness with another diner across the
table. His coat was hanging on the
wall beside him, and he was so earnestly
engaged in conversation that when the
meal was ended and he was ready to
smoke he reached up his hand without
looking around and began to feel for
the pocket of his overcoat. His hand
reached lmpa'ientlv all over the gar
ment, found the pocket, went down into
it and came forth empty. Then the old
man searched for the other pocket.
This was on the other side of the coat,
next to the wall, and it took his straying
hand some time to get into it. A look
mans face. He drew forth from the
pocket box of cigarettes. He put
them down on the table and looked at
them contemptuousiy.
cigarettes" he suid, with a sniff.
cigarettes. Somebody has stolen my
cigar-case and left these things in my
pocket
The old man began to get angry and
his face grew redtier
"Cigarettcs," he snorted. "The scoun-
d:el! Waiter, waiter,' he called, his
voice rising in anger.
"1es, sir"
who put these things in my pocket
and stole my cigars?"
sir"
you should know, you do know"
Let me look in your pockets, sir !;
You may he mistaken"
Don't contradict me. I tell you
they're stolen, and some one has put
these d things in my pocket"
Let me look in your rocket again,
sir. They may be there"
You shan't look in my pocket. Don't
You think l know what's in my pockets
and what isn't? Didn't l just go
through them? What does this house
mcan," cried the old man. standing up
and shaking his finger threateningly,
by allowing guest to be treated in
this fashion? I'll have you reported.
sir. I'll have You discharged" He
pashed the box of cigarettes augrily
across the table
Bring me some cigars" he snapped.
As the old gentleman was lighting his
cigar another man came up and reached
for tie coat which was hanging on the
leg beside the indignant guest. He
got a fierce glance as he took down the
coat. The old man got up, his face
purple with rage.
What are you going to do with that
coat, Slr?' he asked crIspiv.
Put it on" answered the other
calmly, han ling it to waiter.
"Iilat Is my ccat, sir.
Il beg your pardon, it is my coat"
replied the stranger cody, slip, ing his
arms through the sleeves.
The old man was in tremble.
That is my coat" he shouted.
Take it off. p"
The strangers eye caught sight of
tl:e box OF cigarettes lying on the table.
"Ah, he said, Il see you have been
trying tho flavor Of my cigarette.
Won't you have another?' he added,
| smiling.
Where are my cigars?" cried the
furious cd gentleman.
Tin sure [ don't know said the
stranger quietly. Perhaps they're in
your loclset here. see our coats are
precisely alike. I noticed that when |
hung mine be 'ide yours"
The o!d man looked at his coat un-
| disturbed on its peg.
Have a cigar?" he said family.
No, I thank You. Iprefer cigarettes.
Have a drink"
NO, l thank you, l seldom drink"
Hang it, waitert" cried the old gen.
tieman, bring me my check. Are y ou
going to keep me here all day?"
Coed day, sir, said the stranger.
Good day." growled the irascible
| old gentleman.
A moment later the stranger re-
turned.
Excuse me, SIR he said mildly,
may have one of my cigarettes? p
Just then the old gentleman swore
roundiy Nee York Tribune