AN EVEN THING.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2025, 20 August 1880, Page 3

AN EVEN THING.

The other day two strangers were toasting their shins on opposite sides of a big stove in a ferry wharf saloon, and it was noticed that they often looked at each other as if almost certain that they had met somewhere before. Finally one of them got up and said:—

“ Stranger, I’ve seen a face almost like yours. Did you ever have a brother Bill ?” “Yes.” “ Was ho a sailer ?” “ He was,” “ Did you hear of him last about ten years ago ?” “ Yes, just about ten years ago.” “Stranger,” continued the first, seeming greatly affected, “ I’ve sailed with your brother Bill. We were wrecked together on the Pacific, and before help came I had to kill and eat him ! I knew you must be related. I’m awful sorry it was your brother, and though I was driven to it and the law can’t touch me I’m willing to pay you damages. Be kinder fair with me, for Bill was old and tough. About how much do you think is fair?”

The other wiped a tear from his eye, spat across the stove, and replied—- “ Stranger, where is your dad f ” “ Been dead these twelve years.” " Died in Nevada, didn’t ho ?” " Yes, out there somewhere.” “ Well, I killed him ! I knew you son the minute I saw you. Ho and I were in a mine, and one day as we worm going up in the bucket I saw that the old rope was going to break under the strain. When we were up aboue 200 ft, I picked up your old dad and dropped him over. It was bad on him, but it saved me. Now, you ate my brother Bill, and I murdered your dad, and 1 guess we’d better call it even and shake to see who pays for the drinks.”

They shook, drank, and the old lake captains who could not tell a lie had to sit back and realise how sad it was that they were born with such tender consciences.