A TRACK IN FOUR ACTS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1135, 19 May 1880, Page 3

A TRACK IN FOUR ACTS.

Act I.—A gentleman irreproachably dressed goes into a confectioner's shop Sn Paris, and says to the polite proprietor," I want a hundred and fifty of the nicest cream-tarts you can make,” “ A hundred and fifty ! That is a pretty large order. Do you want, them at once ?” “ Within three. hours at the

latest.” “ I can have them ready in that time. Ahem? It is customary to ask a deposit on such orders —say, 10 francs.” “Certainly, my friend. Here are your 10 francs.” Act ll.—About two hours later a gentleman irreproachably dressed goes into a tailor’s shop access the Avay from the pastry-cook’s and asks to be shown some overcoats. He selects one of the nicest and asks the price. “ One hundred and twenty five francs, sir.” “ Very well; I will take it. I have some money to collect at the confectioner’s across the way. I presume you have no objection to let one of your young men come over with me to get it.” “ Certainly not. A worthy man is my friend Mr Puff.” Act lit.—To confectioner enter irreproachably dressed gentleman, now wearing an overcoat, and tailor’s young man. The confectioner , greets the former with the respectful friendliness due to a good customer. “ Ah, Puff, I’ve called round for 150. You promised to have them for me at half-past 2.” “ You shall have them in five minutes, sir.” “ Very well. I have to go round the corner to see a man. You will give this young gentleman 125 of the 150. I will return and get the remain* ing 25 myself in a few moments.” “ With pleasure sir.” Act IV. —Five minutes later the confectioner gives the tailor’s young man 125 cream-tarls, and a bill for balance thereon, .21 francs 25 centimes. One minute thereafter a confectioner and a tailor’s young man are scouring the neighbourhood in search of an irre-proachably-dressed gentleman with an overcoat.

For remainder of news see last page.