davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

The beef breeds Hereford,
Shorthorn. Galloway, Angus
are so called because they make
beef quicker and cheaper than
other breeds. The American
Royal show and sales display the
benefits of the injection of the
blood from these. breeds into a
herd.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

We desire to thank all the kind
friends and neighbors for their
assistance and sympathy during
the death and burial of our be-
loved husband and father.
Mrs. j. T. Snyder and family.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

If Will Cox of Voda looks a
shade paler than usual there is
a reason" F" The other day the
light generator on his auto blew
up" and Billie thought for a min
ute or two that Gabriel had sure
enough called him.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Last Saturday afternoon the
first game of the fall series of
base ball was opened at the east
park by the Trego County High
school ball team. The opposing
Club was Ellis and the game was
a very tame affair as the score of
II to o will attest. The Ellis
boys are nice lot of fellows but
they were too light for our team.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Last Friday Mrs. A. Spena
who lives next door to her daugh-
ter. Mrs. J. J. Keraus, was TAX
en- seriously i'll. We are glad to
report an improvement in her
condition at this time.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

John Stuart of Quinter told c..
B. Fullington that his (Clatis)
Uncle Bill had traded his ponies
for an auto that had mo push in
the wheels. We interviewed
the Reverend gentleman and he
says he ordered a push
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Friday morning Jake Hickman
left for South Dakota where he
will visit with his mother and
sister whom he has not seen for
some time. Jake has worked
hard this summer and the trip
will be fine recreation for him.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

There will be preaching at
Ogallah, Kansas, morning and
evening Sunday, October 3, by
Rev. CORTLAND FL. Livingstone,
pastor of the Christian church
of Colby, Kansas. Everybody is
invited.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Milton Galloway returned to
Chicago Wednesday evening to
resume his practice in the Rush
Medical College hospital, after a
folks.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

You are always welcome at the
M. E. Church. Remember this
is October. Epworth League at
$50; evening preaching at 7:3O.
w. e. Scott, pastor.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Col. Olson is erecting a galva-
nized iron building on the corner
of his lot opposite Verbeck and
Lucas. 1t will be occupied by
W. A. Carpenter, of Banner, for
a carpenter and blacksmith shop.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Mr.. Lawrence M. Knox and
Miss Minnie E. Grabner of Pen
okee, were married at the office
of the Probate Judge Wednesday
afternoon and are now visiting
relatives in central Kansas.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

W. III. Eppler, the wide-awake
business man of Ellis. was Wa
Keeney visitor Monday. He is
highly pleased with his business
interests in this good town.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Follow the track to Mack's s
shack where everything is guar
anteed the best, or money back.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

The material for our public
improvements is beginning to
arrive, the first being a carload
of cast iron pipe From this
time on there will be some thing
doing in the old town.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Let me chew your gum till re
cess. Spearmint the new gum
The flavor that never wears out.
Get your~cud busy.
Maclx'S shack.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Next week will be busy one:-
Uncle Toms" show, city coun-
Gil, county commissioners meet
ing. public works begun and the
first number of the entertain
ment course
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

For sale-9 head of full blood
Poland China boars. H G. Nc
Collum, Phone AT.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Tom Roberts was up from
Ogallah Wednesday looking for
hands to work with his thresh-
ing outfit He paid US pleas
ant call.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Don't think that piles can't be
cured Thousands of obstinate
cases have been cured by Doan's
Ointment. so cents at any drug
store
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Mrs w. A. Smith who lives in
the south part of town has
been seriously i'll during the
past week but is improving now.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Fresh fruit, pure cream can
dy, pop and lemonade.
Mack'S shack.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Mr.. Fred Rensmeyer believes
in protection. He has just had
the Dodd and Struthers light
ming rods erected on his house.
Put up by Roy E. Hammett.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Let Cook and Peary scrap it
out over the north pole; the
question in WaKeeney is Who
discovered the center pole?"
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

E. D. Wheeler left last Friday
evening for his old home in New
York state. He will be absent
several weeks.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

The ladies' Good Will society
meets with Mrs. f. M Morgan
next Wednesday, October 9th.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

will sell at private sale the
following articles of furniture:
Sewing-machine, heating stove
(black -oalO, side-draft cooking
stove Tor range). kitchen-cabinet,
dining table, 5 dining chairs,
high chair. Marvel washing ma
chine, 1 iron bed-stead and
springs. Victor talking machine
and 3 dozen records. All these
things are nearly as good as new.
Mrs. F. A. Mechau.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

DR.. Herrick reports a bran
new hoy at the home of Chas.
Hillman of Ogallah township,
Tuesday evening, September 18,
1909. Mother and son doing
nicely.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Wanted-Four or five men
with teams to husk corn. Corn
will make 40 bushels per acre.
Will pay 4 cents per bushel. II.
L. Anderson, 1-2 miles north of
Togo.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Another large shipment of
those fine Michigan Concord
grapes for Saturday. Better
call early as the shipments last
Saturday were wiped up like
snow balls in an August sun.
Mack'S shack.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

If you need an abstract of
title to your property call on w.
II. Swiggett. Correct abstract.
Prompt service at reasonable
prices.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Sandwiches with the makings
betwixt and pure Mocha and
Java coffee with cream.
Mack'S shack.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Everett Kemp surprised you
in Sevenoaks" last year.
Crowl will surprise you next
Thursday evening with a pro-
gramme just as good. Don't
miss it. Talent comes this year
from Wilson and will be here fif-
teen hours ahead of time. En-
tertainment begins at $50 cen
trail time
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Taken up-Red bullcalf; or 8
months old; been in neighbor-
hood three or four months.
S. S. Harvey, Ogallah, Kansas.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

w. Fl. Dayton, the Abilene land
man, was in the city Tuesday
talking real estate
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Mr.. Daniel Rohrbacher and
grand daughter, Annie, left for
their former home in Bertrand,
Nebraska, Wednesday evening
for few weeks visit.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

For genuine bargains read
ad. on page ).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Insure your horses; mules and
cattle against death from any
cause. Low rate.
LESTER C. NUDGE, Agent,
Ha-Keeney, Kansas.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Don't forget the game of ball
at the east park Saturday after,
noon. The Ness City High
school boys will be here.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02
FOR SALE

Improved irrigated farms at the
doors of Denver, producing enor-
nous crops of grain, alfalfa,
sugar beets and fruit. Prices
right. Call on
LESTER C. NUDGE, Agent,
Ha-Keeney, Kansas.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Word was received here last
Saturday of the death of Miss
Amy Kirby, which occurred on
Thursday evening Sept. % at
Kansas City, Mo. Miss Kirby
was well and favorably known in
Wa-Keeney having taught one
term in the public school. She
was young lady of more than
ordinary attainment, and with
her sweet disposition, was be-
loved by all who knew her and
her death was a decid ed shock
to her friends and caused wide
spread sorrow among them.
She was buried in Baldwin.
Kans., on the 9th of September.
Pure home made lard at
Bakers.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

J. II. G.. Gilbert has sold his
fine ranch to a party from Win
field, Kansas. Mr.. Gilbert will
move to Colorado.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Generally debilitated for
years. Had sick headaches,
lacked ambition, was worn-out
and all rundown. Burdock
Blood BitterS made me we'll
woman. Mrs. Chas Freitoy,
Moosup, Conn.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

E. G. Gleason and family will
occupy the G. I. Verbeck house
during the absence of Mr.. and
Mrs. Verbeck in California this
winter
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Mrs. /. T. Purcell spent few
days in Kansas City the fore
part of the week.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Arthur McNeal returned to
Kansas City this week after a
visit with friends.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Mrs A Littlechild and daugh-
ter, Anna returned Wednesday
evening from a visit in Manhat-
tan
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Court adjourned last Friday
evening until Tuesday, Decem-
Der 18th.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Wanted-Good girl for general
house work. Mrs. c.. L. Hard
man.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

For sale-Hard coal burner,
cheap. Hardman Lumber Co.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02
Official County Paper.

Picked pork at Baker s.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

G. L. Hardman sports a ney
Ford auto purchased Of Johl
Spena.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Pure home made lard at
Bakers.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02
Picked pork at Bakers.

Pay tUS"-we need coin.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

City council meets in regular
session next Monday night.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

j. F. Gunckel is assisting at
the Star grocery
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-10-02

Uncle Tom will visit w;
Keeney next Monday.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
JURY FIXES THE
DAMAGES FOR LAND
$289.60 and Verdict Relieves Them
of Assessment.

The condemnation suit of the COM
missionerS of the Hampton drainage
district, No. 3, against J. E. and r. y.
Reidy and M. |. Morris, for a right of
way through their East Rock Island
addition in Hampton township, was
decided today, the jury returning a
verdict this afternoon in the county
court. The jury awarded the defend
ants S2S9.60 damages for the land ~
be taken for the right of way, and
found that the damage to the adjoin-
ing land, not taken for the right of
way. will exceed the benefits to the
amount of ST. The commissioners, it
is understood, proposed to pay $3.50 for
the right of way. and contemplated an
assessment of considerably more than
that for benefits from the ditch.
The right of way is 5000 foot
strip so feet wide and is for ditch Is
feet wide at the top, II feet wide at
the bottom, and six feet deep. Nc
Entry & McEniry represented the
commissioners, and Searle & Marshall
the defendants The hearing has been
pending for week.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
STRIKE OF. THE HENS
OFF AND PRICES DROP
Eggs Fall from 80 Cents to % Cents
Dozen in Week as Result of
Industry.

The strike carried on by the hens
of the community for the past few
months seems to be effectuahy broken
and it was not found necessary to i'm
port any strike breakers-a method
suggested several days ago. The hens
apparently returned to their work of
their own free WILL and no concessions
have been granted them. They could
have held out for long time yet. as
their resources had not been taxe,i
and none of them were in want
Nevertheless it was decided by the;:'
leaders that as it appeared they had
little chance of ultimate success, and
that in the meantime they were caus-
ing considerable trouble in the market
on account of the lack of their wares,
they would give up the strike for this
time and go back on the job without
asking for even any minor concess-
ions. Accordingly, they have come
back a few at time, and as a result,
the price of eggs has fallen from -
cents to % cents in week
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
MAY HAVE TO RE-
BUILD The SEWER
Seventeenth Street Drain is AZ Inches
Out of Line-Through Error in
the Plans.

Through an error in preparing the
plans, the Seventeenth street sewer
which was constructed particularly to
carry off the waste from the Best
building on Second avenue, is Az in
ches out of line. and it is possible
that the sewer will have to be recon-
structed for a half block north of Sec
ond avenue. There is controversy
as to who is responsible for the error,
and the council will be called on ID
thrash the matter out The city engi-
neer claims that he was given al
Incorrect figure by the foreman of the
construction work on the Best build
ing, and that this is the reason for
the error. The owners contend that
the correct figure was given the ensi-
neer. 1t may be possible TO secure
drainage for the present by construct
ing a manhole and trap, but it IS
likely that in order to secure perfect
drainage it will be necessary to rebuild
the sewer.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
ARE IN A PUZZLE
Politicians in Towns and Villages
Have Problem as to Method
Of Nomination.
10 PETITIONS ON FILE
AS Result No Primary Can Be Held,
and Petition Seems Only Way to
Get on the Ballot.

Politicians who control the political
affairs of the smaller incorporated
towns and villages of the county have
pretty problem that they are now
seeking to solve. The present primary
law provides for party primary cleo
tionS in these divisions, although
townships are not included in the pro-
visions of the act. In some of the
towns, however Including Port Byron,
no primary election has been called,
and the party candidates have filed no
petitions to place their names on the
primary ballot. Consequently there
can be no primary election. as the
time for fling petitions to become can
didates at a primary has expired.
Get on by PetItion:
The problem now is whether the
candidates for Office can have their
names appear only by filing petitions
of nomination, and whether there can
be an election if no such petitions are
filed. There are some who maintain
that if no candidates are nominated at
tHe PRIMARY, anu llU CdHuiudleS ME
papers of nomination, by petition the
town clerk can not have a ballot
printed Others claim that the town
clerk could have ballots printed. with
no party heading, and nothing on them
except the list of the offices to be filed
and blank space to fill in the names,
and his official signature. 1t is likely
that the candidates will take no chance
OF such method, but will prepare petit
tons of nomination and file them as
independents or under some similar
name.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
ECZEMA DURABLE? PROVEN!
Attorney at Moline, ILL.,, Convinced by
Oil of Wintergreen Compound.

There is nothing that will convince
lawyer except evidence.
Now, here is some rather startling
evidence of simple home cure for
eczema which convinced one lawyer,
F. c. Entriken, attorney at Moline, III.
He tells how oil of wintergreen COM
pound mixed with thymol and glyc-
crime, as in d. ID. d. Prescription, cur
ed him in so days after 50 years of
suffering.
For 80 years writes Attorney En-
triken, 4 was troubled with eczema,
.scabs all over my face, body and head.
could run hair brush over my body
and the floor would be covered with
scales enough to fill a basket. | tried
verything-salves, internal medicine,
X-Ray-all without result
Just a month ago | was induced to
try d. D. d. Prescription. The itch
was relieved instantly; so continued.
1t is just a month now and ! am COM
pletely cured. l have not a particle
of itch and the scales have dropped
off
q can only say again cure discov-
erred. | am now starting ali eczema
sufferers on the right track
Cure after cure has been brought to
our attention and always that instant
relief from the awful itch
Harper House pharmacy.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
PAID A FORGOTTEN LOAN
Dubuque Old Soldier Comes Here On
an Unusual Mission.

Thomas Clifford, former officer of
the Iowa G. A. R.. was in the city to-
day from Dubuque on a strange mis-
sion. He is something of a globe
trotter. and when here four years ago
ran short of cash, his pension not be-
ing due for several days. He was Civ
en- so cents by Sam Ryerson, deputy
circuit clerk, and John Rinck, deputy
county clerk. The loan had been for
gotten by the two men. but Mr.. Cliff
ford came here today to settle with
them. He is on his way TO Boston.
and will leave in the morning for the
east. Mr.. Clifford is quite a char
acter. He has been in every soldiers
home in the country, and was former
ly an officer in the home at Danville.
He has attended every national en-
campment of the G. A R., and was
color bearer of the Iowa department
He is a native of Ireland, and after
the civil war voted for three presi-
dents before he knew that it would be
necessary for him to take out nat
uraliZation papers to be entitled to .
vote. He has autograph letters from
the late President Mckinley, Presi-
dent Roosevelt, and President-elect
Taft, acknowledging letters of congrat-
ulation.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
OBITUARY.
Mrs. William Atkinson.

Mrs. William Atkinson, Twelfth and
Brashar street, South Rock Island,
died at 4:30 yesterday afternoon, after
suffering for six years with heart dis
ease. Mrs. Atkinson. whose maiden
name was Helen Louise Greene. was
born in Philadelphia Dec. &c, 1916. IN
1852 she came to this city, where IN
1866 she was united in marriage with
William Atkinson. They lived in Rock
Island from that time until three years
ago, when they removed to South
Rock Island. Mrs. Atkinson is sur
vived by her husband and seven child
rem, Olaf, Alice, Emmett, Adah and
Fred, at home, Mrs. H. A. Ziegler Of
Moline and William. Jr., of Rock Is.
land, besides seven grandchildren.
During her long residence i'll this
city Mrs. Atkinson made many friends.
She was woman of fine character
and pleasing personality, and her
death will occasion deep regret.
The funeral will be held from the
home Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
DR.. w. S. Marquis will conduct the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
PERSONAL POINTS,

Harry McCaskrin has returned after
short business trip to different points
in Texas.
Mrs. B. F. Knox left today for short
sojoun at ColfaX, Iowa
Miss Harriet Larkin returned from
Madison, Wis, last evening after spend
ing a week there.
Miss Lila Hamilton is recovering
from an illness which has caused her
to spend a large part of the last two
weeks in the sanitarium in Moline.
A. R. Eads, general secretary of the
Y. NJ. c. A. at Dubuque, was in the
city yesterday visiting with friends
Mr.. Eads came down from Dubuque &c
attend the funeral of Frank Nader
held in Davenport Tuesday.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
DR.. D0NEYc0NDUcTs SERVICE
Macomb Minister Assists at First
Methodist Revival.

One of the most interesting of the
series of revival meetings was held at
the First Methodist church last even
ing. E A. Hulse conducted a song
service and sang a solo and Mr. and
Miss Jonassen rendered beautiful
duet. DR.. Doney of Macomb preached
an excellent sermon on spiritual power
and conducted a testimonial meeting.
He will preach again this evening as
well as tomorrow. DR.. Doney was born
and reared in England and shows the
fervor and JUNCTION that characterizes
the ministry of English Methodism.
Special instrumental and vocal num-
bers will be given this evening. Mr..
Hulse and Mrs. H E. Van Duzer are
excellent cornetists and will assis.
with their instruments.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
MAY NOT RESUME WORK
ON R. |. S. TILL APRIL
Found to Be Impossible to Procee
With Grading Eariier-Gettins
Material Together.

No haste will be made in resuming
work on the construction of the Rock
Island Southern between this city and
Monmouth 1t had been intended u
resume by the first of next month, but
the difficulties in the way are so ser
ious that the date has been advanced
to April 1. and it may be April Is o..
later before grading is finally re-
sumed. In the meantime it is an
nouneed, material will be gathered
steadily so that there shall be no de-
lay during the summer Superintend-
ent Mccullough says cars will be run
ming into Rock Island next fall.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
Rheumatism Cured in "a Hours.

T. J. Blackmore of Halter & Black
more, Pittsburg, Pa, says: ga short
time since procured a bottle of Dl
got me out of the house in "a hours.
took to my bed with rheumatism
nine months ago and DIR. Detchon's
Relief for Rheumatism is the only
medicine that did me any good. !
had five Of the best physicians in the
city, but l received very little relief
from them. l know Dr. Detchon's Re
lief for Rheumatism to be what it is
represented and take pleasure in rec
|ommending it to other poor sufferers
Sold by Otto Grotjan, 1901 Second
avenue, Rock Island; Gust Schlegel
Son. 220 West Second street, Daven
port.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-25
DAVENPORT IDEA OF A JOKE
Citizen Fined s25 for Saying He Was
Held Up When He Wasn't.

c. F. Finger, Davenporter, was
fined s25 yesterday by Magistrate
Roddewig of that city for misleading
the police. Coming home comfortably
tanked up with joy juice Saturday
evening he notified the police he had
been held up and robbed and all night
two officers worked on the case with
out results. A day or two later Finger
confded TO a friend that he had play
ed good joke on the police. In time
the officers heard about it and Fin
gers arrest followed. He sees now
that it wasn't a joke at all.