Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-07-23
sMl1A,S WArch.

0WtvbV0 W0tSIs
Tom Tsggart's latest practical joke
was played on Ex-Attorney-General
Smith and Il was good one.
A few evenings ago, while the pro-
prietor was leaning over his counter, q
travelling man with whom he was talk
Ing showed him watch which had gone
through . railroad wreck few days
ago, and the works were literally broken
to bits, the case badly bent and every
thing broken up generally.
"lnoks as II the engine sat down upon
| Il, remarked Mr.. Taggart. And then an
idea struck him. CHANGING across the
room, he saw Greene Smith talking with
some friends. Now he knew that MIR.
Smith carried an elegant gold watch Of
fine workmanship, 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, y
said Mr.. Tsggart. III think can show
you some fun" Mr.. Taggart opened
the case slightly and stuck the watch
into his pocket. Going over to Mr..
Smith he asked him for his watch upon
the pretepce that he wanted to show II
to friend.
swell, be careful Of It," said Mr..
Smith, In his most abrupt bass voice, rs
he handed over the precious watch.
snow, 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 other, and approached the ex-
Encouragement.
"My friend says that's beauty,
Greene" said Mr.. Taggsrt, as he held
out his hand TO return the watch.
"ies, IL ought to be; IL cost"
What II cost will probably never be
known. The sentence was interrupted
by crash as the watch fell to the floor
like shot poured out OF = bag.
The ex-attorney-general heard the
crash and sprang to his feet with a
whoop that could have been heard for a
sQuare. His face turned u livid green,
while his voice almost stopped up his
mouth 10 his effort TO get out all ut once.
Did he swear. Well, Of course II
wouldn't do to say so. He stamped his
feet, danced up and down, roared, hurl-
ed aDathemss upon the damnable care
lessncss OF some people, and declared
that the watch could never be replaced.
During the TRADE Mr.. Taggart stood
with downcast eyes looking mournful.
After the first had subsidized so as 10 al
low OF his being heard, he called bell
boy. and In low, half audible tones, told
the boy To take broom and dustpsn
and sweep up Mr.. Smiths watch.
And he added, 'dust the pieces of
carefully and give them to the gentle
man."
This started another outburst which
almost threatened the bursting Of n
blood vessel. Mr.. Smith turned TO the
covering bell boy aud Numbered: "iou
touch those pieces, you black rascal, and
III break you in two.'
you do Whist say" said Mr.. Tag
CART quietly. This gentleman is not
we'll"
"Tsggart," said Mr. Smith, "l'ye al
ways been n friend Of yours, but"
MIR. Smith, interrupted Mr.. Taggart,
III am sorry for this but think | can
fix IL, IA the boys have all had enough
fun for one day. While regret the loss
Of the other watch, have here an exrct
duplicate, which have made and which
desire 10 return TO you with the COM
phments of myself and the bell boy.
Please accept this"
He held out Mr.. Smiths watch. The
ex-attorneygeneral then caught on for
the first time. He smiled sardonically,
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"
Aud he still thinks so.--Indianspolis
Sentinel.