A THICK IN FOUR ACTS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2233, 14 May 1880, Page 2

A THICK IN FOUR ACTS.

Act I. —A gentleman irreproachably dressed goes into a confectioner’s shop in 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. l)o 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 arc your 10 francs.” Act ll.—About two hours later a gentleman irreproachably dressed goes into a tailor’s shop across the way from the pastrycook’s and asks to be shown some overcoats. He selects one of the nicest and asks the price. “ One hundred and twenty-live francs, sir,” “ Very well; I will take it. I have some money to collect at the confectioner's acres the way. I presume you have no objection to let one of your young men come over with me to got it.” “Certainly A worthy man is my friend Mr Puff.” Act III.—To confectioner enter irreproachable dressed gentleman, now wearing an overcoat, and tailor’s young man. The confectioner greets the former with the respectful friendliness duo to a good customer. “ Ah, Puff, I’ve called round for that 150. You promised to have them for me at half-past 2.” “ You small have them in five minutes,

sir.” Very well. I have to go round the corner to see a man. You will give this young man 125 of the 150. I will return and get the remaining 25 in a few moments.” “ With pleasure, sir.” Act IV.—Five minutes later the confectioner gives the tailor’s young man 125 cream-tarts, and a hill for balance thereon, 21 francs 25 centimes. One minute thereafter a confectioner and a tailor’s young man arc scouring the neighbourhood in search of an irreproachably dressed gentleman with a new overcoat.