HE KNEW HOW TO WORK IT.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 448, 22 February 1890, Page 6

HE KNEW HOW TO WORK IT.

He called at the house and asked if she had any carpets to beat, adding that he had been in the business 20 years. ‘ How much to beat that parlour carpet ?’ she asked. * Four shillings.’ ‘ Why, that’s awful! There was a man here yesterday who offered to do the job for two shillings.’ ‘ Exactly, madam ; but how was he prepared ?’ ‘ He had a stick in his hand.’ ‘ I presume so. He intended to take the carpet out on a vacant lot, didn’t he ?’ ‘Yes, sir; our yard is too small, you know.’ ‘Exactly. That is a tapestry Brussels carpet. It is badly worn. It has numerous holes in it. He would make a great show in getting it out and in here. Out on the lot he would give you away to everyone who asked who the carpet belonged to. Is that, the way to do a job of this sorb ?' ‘ How do you do it ?’ * I take the carpet out through the alley. I wheel it home. I beat it in the yard surrounded by a high board fence, and while I am returning it, all nicely rolled up and covered with cloth, if anyone asks me what I have, I reply that it is a velvet carpet for No. 224 Blank street. If no one asks any questions I call at the houses on either side of you and ask if they have just ordered a new Wilton carpet. They watch me, and see me come in here. Madam, in the language of the Greeks, do you twig ?’ He was given the job.