Simple, Wasn't It.

Manawatu Herald, 30 August 1898, Page 3

Simple, Wasn't It.

About two months ago an elderly gentleman, while walking through one of our public streets, had his watch abstracted from his pocket in ft very mysterious manner. He afterwards offered a reward of £5 for its recovery, and stated that no questions would be asked of the person who returned it. Two monih3 afterwards he was accosted by a genteely dressed man, somewhat after this style : — " Sir, you' lost your watcb some time ago, for the return of which yon offered a reward of £5, and no questions to be asked ?" " I did," said the gentleman. 11 Are you ready to pay the money agreeable to the advertisement ?" "lam." •' Well, here is your watch !" The gentleman payed the mont>y and put the watch in his pocket remarking at the same time : 41 1 can't remember bow I lost it." •' Well, I will tell you," said the thief. •• Don't you remember a person knocking up against you the day you lost your watch ? " I do," said the gentleman. " Then it was," said the rogue coolly, *• that your watch was taker, from your pocket, and I will show you bow it was done." The man suiting the action to the word, jostled violently against the gentleman, and left him perfectly satisfied with iho explanation. A few minutes after, putting his band to his pocket for the watcb, he found it had gone for a second time.