The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1895-08-08
Mr.. SMITHS VALUABLE WATCH
How a Practical Joker Frightened Him
Out Of Years Growth.

J rom 1agSafU latest practical joke
was played on ex-Attorney General
Smith, and it was Il good one. A
few evenings ago, while the proprie-
tor of the Grand was leaning over
his counter, a travelling man with
whom he was talking showed him a
watch which had gone through a
railroad wreck a few weeks ago, and
the works We're literally broken to
bits, the case badly bent and every
thing broken up generally.
Looks as if the engine sat down
upon it., remarked Mr.. Taggart.
And then an idea struck him. Glanc-
ing across the room, he saw Greene
Smith talking to some friends. Now,
he knew that Mr.. Smith carried an
elegant gold watch of fine workman
ship which was given to him, and in
which he took the greatest pride
In fact, the ex-attorney general
thinks as much of that watch as he
does of himself.
Say, let me have that pile of
wreck, " said Mr.. Taggart. II think
l can show you some fun" Mr..
Taggart opened the case slightly and
stuck the watch into his pocket. Co.
ing over to Mr.. Smith, he asked him
for his watch upon the pretence that
he wanted to show it to a friend.
"Well, be careful of it, said Mr..
Smith is his most abrupt bass voice
as he handed over the precious
watch.
"Now, boys, watch out, said Mr..
Taggart five minutes later as he
smiled to the crowd standing around.
He put Mr.. Smiths watch in his
pocket, held the other in his hand
partly covered, as the two did bear
some slight resemblance to each 9th
er, and approached the ex-attorney
general.
MY friend says that's beauty,
Greene" says Mr.. Taggart as he
held out his hand to return the
watch
yes; it ought to be. It COST
What it cost will probably never
be known. The sentence was inter-
rupted by crash as the watch fell
to the marble floor, the case spring
ing open, and the works spilling
over the floor like shot poured out of
a bag.
| The ex-attorney general heard the
crash and sprang to his feet with a
whoop that could have been heard
| tor square. His face turned a livid
green, while his voice almost stopped
up his mouth in it's effort to get out
all at once.
Did he swear? Well, of course ii
wouldn't do to say so. He stamped
his feet, danced up and down, roar
! ed, hurled anathemas upon the
damnable carelessness of some peo-
pie and declared that the watch could
never be replaced.
| During the TRADE Mr.. Taggart
stood with downcast eyes looking
mournful. After the first had sub.
sided SO as to allow of his being heard
he called a bellboy, and in low, yet
audible tones told the boy to get q
broom and dustpan and sweep VI
Mr.. Smiths watch. And" he add.
ed, dust the pieces off carefully and
give them to the gentleman.
This started another outburst
which almost threatened the burst.
ing of blood vessel. Mr.. Smith
turned to the covering bellboy and
Numbered, You touch those pieces
you black rascal, and I'll break you
in two
"You do what I say" said Mr.
Taggart quietly. This gentleman
! is not we'll "
"Taggart, said Mr.. Smith, I've
always been friend of yours, but >
"Mr Smith, interrupted Mr..
Taggart, Il am sorry for this, but ]
think l can fix it, as the boys have
all had enough fun for one day.
While I regret the loss of the other
watch, l have here an exact dupli.
cate which I have had made, and
which desire to return to you with
the compliments of myself and the
bellboy. Please accept this. +"
| He held out Mr.. Smiths watch.
The ex-attorney general then caught
on for the first time. He smiled sar-
donically, pocketed his watch and
then with much satisfaction added
Well, you've broken up some
other fellows watch, and you'll
have that to pay for"
And he still thinks so. -Indianap-
| oils Sentinel