AN AMINATION STORY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1731, 4 January 1888, Page 3

AN AMINATION STORY.

An examiner who prided himself on his shrewdness was determined (hat he would mike It impossible for any copying to take pltce under his supervision (says the "Temple Bsr,") Acoohiifcgly he not only kept a very sharp and constant watch upon thu candidates, bat peered at them ftom time to time between the fingers of bis hands spread before hio face. At last he thought be detected a man m BomethlDg which looked very susplolous. Looking from side to side to satisfy himself that no one observed him, the man plunged his band into his breast pooket, and drawing something out regarded it long and •toadfaetly, and then, bastly replacing it, resumed his pen at>d wrote with obvioasly laoreatdd energy The eximiner pretended not to notice this, bat after a time he rose from bis seat, and with bis hands m his pockets strolled round the room, with an appearance of negligence and Indifference to wh»t was going on. By these means he succeeded m disarming suspicion, and getting to windward of his prey stole upon him from behind gradually and ooperoeived. Then wailing patiently, his ■traiegy was rewarded by observing that the man once more turned his bead from side to side, yet not quite far enough to 108 him, and once more pat his hand into his 1 breatt pooket. Then the examiner •prang forward m elation, and se!z9d the band m the very act of grasping the inspected object. " Sir," said he, " this fa the fourth time I have watched yon doing this. What have you m yoor hand ]" The man hesitated to reply, and this, coupled with his evident confnelon, confirmed the suspicions of the examiner. " I most insist, sir, on seeing what It is yon have m your hand." The man reluctantly complied, and, drawing his hand from his pocket, presented tp the dismayed examiner the photograph of a young lady. This it was which had been bis hidden source of inspiration. This bad been the secret of his ever. freshened cn«rgy. Very humbly and sincerely did the examiner offer bis apologies as be Teturned crestfallen to his seat, and it give* the finishing touch to the story to learn that the candidate married that young lady m dae fc'me, and they are now firing happily together m the enjoyment of the blessings of their faithful love so tudely tested and dlscnvpr»d.