Arsenic in Condensed Milk.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43216, 17 August 1907, Page 2

Arsenic in Condensed Milk.

HOW TROOPER “FELL IN.’>

The curiosity of a young man who is in the habit of visiting a local bakehouse and sampling everything he can lay his hands on, received an abrupt cheok on Wednesday evening. He dropped in just as the baker was setting the sponge, and taking advantage of the latter’s back being turned, helped himself liberally to a tin of condenced milk, which was on the shelf, being unaware that the electric light was throwing his shadow on the wall in front of the baker.

After the sponge was set the soldier asked what was the next job. “ Lay poison for the rats,” replied::the baker, as he got the soldier to cut up a loaf of brown bread, which he spread liberally with'condensed milk from the same tin the soldier had been using, meanwhile keeping an eye on the soldier whose face began to lengthen. “ This milk is mixed with arsenic, and is .very strong and has killed a large number of rats.” “ I had a taste of that,” replied the soldier. “ Oh, a little would not hurt you,” said the baker. “ But I had a lot,” howled the soldier, the tears running down his cheeks, and he rushed - off down the road in the direction of the Doctor’s, and the baker’s bey sounded the “ Last Post,” on a cake tin. As the baker was afraid the jok6 might go too far. he sailed off in pursuit, and grabbed the brave soldier, who said, “ I am sure I will die in the night,” and it was only’after the baker had eaten two spoonfuls of the condensed milk that the soldier began to think he might still live to sample more good things in bakehouses. Next morning though rather white in the face, he joyfully announced that he was “ still alive.” He is realising now that he has been badly “ had.”