A JOKE ON A HORSE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 176, 26 July 1881, Page 4

A JOKE ON A HORSE.

One of the commission houses on Woodbridge street has a horse which was the terror of every pedestrian who got within three feet of his head, The animal had teeth like a shark, and up to a few days ago he'd bite anything within reach except a pile of grindstones. "Whipping had no effect, and he would get rid of muzzles as fast as they were put on. The firm had paid out considerable money to settle for his bites, and were wondering what they could sell him for, when along came a man who guaranteed a cure for five dollars. He was told to go to work and his first move was to get an old suit of clothes and stuff them with straw. The bone was driven down the street, and the suit was iied to a hitching post, back to the street. A full pound of Cayenne pepper was then rubbed into and sprinkled over the garments and the straw stuffing and the joko was ready. The horse came jogging back, and the driver left him standing within six feet of the man of straw. The old biter's eye had a twinkle as he saw a fine chance to use his teeth, and as soon as left; alone j he began edging towards the post. When ready for business he made a sudden lunge, and caught the * : man" by the shoulder. That old horse meant j wickedness, but he had a surprise in store for him. As he lifted the figure off its leet and gave it a shake it fell apart, and his mouth, nose, and eyes were filled with the smarting powder. Great tears rolled down his long nose, he sneezed and snorted and coughed, and he was jußt as chagrined at the general laugh at him as a man would have been. He backed away from the remnants, opened his mouth to cool it, and hung his head with shame. He did not cease weeping for half a day, but when he got so as he could look the public square in the face he was a changed horse. Anybody can pull bis ears or rub his nose now with impunity. In fact, he courts caresses where he defied them, and on the approach of a stranger will shut his eyes and mouth as if fearful of another dose of powder. — American paper.