New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-25
HE TALKED HIS WAY OUT or TROUBLE.

THE FOOLISH YOUNG MAN HAD NO OIL IN HIS
LAMP But HE REACHED HOME IN SAFETY.
He Is a young lawyer. but he ought to be In the
diplomatic service That would be his true sphere.
His presence OF mind his fertility of resource and
his inexhaustible fund Of politeness were never
exhibited more advantage than on his return
from recent bicycle trip into the suburbs and his
successful prosecution of that journey under diff
cuties which would have discouraged most ordinary
mortals proves that the tongue. when used with
discretion. may be mighty engine Of power.
1t was after II o'clock night when the diplomat
left his friends country house to return to the city
There little oil in his bicycle lamp and he had
been riding only a few minutes when 1t gradually
but firmly declined TO burn any longer. The night
was not dark and the diplomat not at all dis
turbed by the occurrence except for the fact that
soon as he struck the city line he knew he might
expect criticism from some of Mr. Roosevelts In
flexible subordnates. And indeed he had hardly
finished revolution of the pedals in Northern
New-York before he was hailed in an official voice
Young man. your lamps OUT
The diplomat instantly slowed down.
why, thank you, so II Isl" he exclaimed in sur
prised tone. Strange didn't observe it,. he con
tinued. feeling for his matchbox and making a
rapid calculation that there would probably be
enough oil left IN the wick TO enable him to ignite
1t for moment. There" and the tiny fame
caught. he mounted and was of, calling back
good might to the lonely bluecoat
The few seconds duration OF the fash had been
sufficient for that time. but policemen seemed TO
be absurdly numerous in that deserted spot; FOR
the diplomat had gone scarcely three blocks when
he encountered another
Hey there. young Teller. your lights gone out.
d'you hear?" the second greeting.
Again the prompt dismount and this time the
young mans face expression Of mournful
wonder. Il believe you're right" said he; much
obliged I'm sure for telling me Now have you
match? Mine are all gone" The officer produced
one, and they made several Intellectual attempts
to kindle the light
Perhaps there's no oil in it, suggested the pco-
pies guardian. II suddenly struck with happy
inspiration.
A look of incredulty which slowly changed to one
OF sad conviction overspread the face of the d!plo
mat. That be the trouble" he agreed.
We'll. you'll have walk. you know" was the
officers next remark The diplomat nodded assent
and obedienty started to trundle his wheel a'ong
lance he mounted again. and this time fortune IA
vored his efforts. Fully mile had been covered
Roosevelt's men were all peaceably sleeping in con-
venient Railways when for The third time he re-
ceived the that illumna ton was discern
lille on his machine.
This remark had certainly lost something of its
pristine freshness through repetition but the future
candidate for public honors was as serene as ever.
1T has gone out hasn't it?" he said with con
think of it, I'm afraid there isn't much oil in it,"
AT any rate ens SOMETHING approaehns smile
over his face. and he inquired whether the rider
only eight or nine blocks" replied the latter
well rs late Jump on on, and r.de" and The mem.
witness the breach Of the law. which he had sane
Now the diplomat is fond Of using his powers,
and he alighted az his own door he stopped a
moment before entering 10 congrat ulate himself
sing along without excitement he Considered de-. ard
II were economically organized which am not.
saving in OIL