The Ratcatcher.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 28 April 1890, Page 3

The Ratcatcher.

of the country. Ihe next morning, however, another son of Etin ap* peared at the prison, and paying the fine, liberated his friend. The Go* vernor having been in the court on the previons day, recognised the 14 liberator " as the principal witness and informant against the accused. This puzzled him, and he aaked for an explanation. ■ ?. ■ " Well," said Pat, " it's loiks this, sorr : Tim and meself were hard up, and, seeing the notice, Tim agreed to be caught. I gave information against him, and this morning I draw'd the money ; and, now ye're paid, we've three ppuuds left to start the world wid, and, begarra, I hope the board'liatop a bit longer!"— Exchange.

. ~« A fbw yers ago, owing to the serious ' depredations of ratcatchers on the banks of the Thames, the authorities were compelled to issue notice boards offering a rewa< d of five pounds for information, payable on conviction of the offender. Not many days alter the notio3. Appeared, an Irishman -was caught, and, being brought , before the magistrate, was ordered » to^paya fine and cost 3, amounting altogether fo two pounds, or undergo , one month's imprisonment in de fault. Not havin? the " needful " Pat <: < went into retirement at the expense v *