He Could Not Tell a Lie.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 72, 18 October 1884, Page 5

He Could Not Tell a Lie.

A well-known New York carpet dealer went down the bay fishing the other day, but luck was bad, and when evening arrived his backet was still entirely empty. To make thething more aggravating.a withered old chap, whose sailboat was close by, had been hauling up fish after fish, apparently with the greatest ease. Our friend did not like to go home with nothing at all to show for his day's sport, and yet to purchase from the luckier angler a basketful of fish and palm them off as his own catch was an expedient not consistent with the high standard of morality prevailing in the carpet trade. But, after some cogitation a way was found for getting out of this difficulty. Approaching within a few feet of the old fisherman, the carpet man made a bargain with him for a basketful, but with the understanding that each fish bought must be thrown to him and he would endeavour to catch it. As he explained, his conscience would not permit him to take home an exhibit fish he had not caught. He managed, however, to catch every one, and went home to enjoy a well'deserved ovation from an admiring household,—" frpm, the Carpe^ and