The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1895-08-30

How = Practical Joker Frightened HIN
Out Il . Years Growth.


How . Practical Joker Frightened Him
Out II . Years Growth.
Tom Ta.gart' latest practical joke
was played on ex-Attorney General
Smith, and il was good one. "A
few evenings ago. while tho propric-
tor of the Grand was leaning over
his counter. a travelling man with
whom he was talking showed him
watch which had gone through a
railroad wreck few weeks ago. and
the works were 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, no SAW Greene
Smith talking to some friends Now,
he knew that Mr.. Smith carried an
elegant gold watch OF tinc workman
ship which was given 10 him, and III
which he took the greatest pride.
In fact the ex-attorney general
thinks rs much of that watch rs no
does of himself.
Say, let me have that pile OF
wreck. said Mr.. Taggart. Il think
| can show you some fun Mr..
Taggart opened thecaSe slightly and
stuck the watch into his pocket Go
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 arouri
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
or, and approached the cx-attorncy
general.
My friend says that's a beauty,
Greene. says Mr.. Taggart as he
held out his hand to return the
watch.
Yes; it ought to be. 1t cost
What it cost will probably never
be known. The sentence was inter
rupted by crash as the watch fell
10 the marble floor, the case spring
ing open. and the works spilling
over the floor like shot poured out of
a bag.
The ex-attorncy general heard the
crash and sprang TO his feet with a
whoop that could have been heard
for square. His face turned Il livid
green, while his voice almost stopped
up his mouth in its effort TO get out
all ut once.
Did he swear? Well. of course it
wouldn't do to say so. He stamped
his feet, danced up and down, ro.r-
ed, hurled anathcmas upon the
damnable carclessness 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 bellboy, and in low, yet
audible tones told the boy to get a
broom and dustpan and sweep up
Mr.. Smith 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 a blood vessel Mr.. Smith
turned to the covering bcllboy and
Numbered, You touch those pieces,
you black rascal, and I'll break you
in two.
You do what l say" said Mr..
Taggart quietly. This gentleman
is not well.
"Taggart, said Mr.. Smith, I've
always been friend Of yours, but -
Mr.. Smith" interrupted Mr..
Taggart. II am sorry for this, but ]
think can fix it. as the boys have
all had enough fun for one day.
While regret the loss of the other
watch. Lave here an exact dupi-
cate which l have had made, and
which desire to return to you with
the compliments of myself and the
bellboy. Please accept this.
He held out MIR. Smiths watch.
The ex-attorney general thea caught
ON for the first time Ho smiled sar-
lonically, 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