A GOOD STORY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1667, 1 December 1887, Page 4

A GOOD STORY.

An examiner who prided himself on his shrewdness, was determined that he would make it impossible for any copying to take place under his supervision, Accordingly, he not not only kept a sharp and constant watch upon the candidates, but peered at them from time to time between the fingers of his hand spread before bis face. At last he thought he detected a mau in something that looked very suspicious. Looking from side to side to satisfy himself that no one observed him, the man plunged his hand into his breast pocket, and, drawing some - thing out, regarded it long and steadfastly, and then, hastily replacing it, resumed his pen and wrote with obviously increased energy. The examiner pretended not to notice this, but after a time he rose from his seat, and, with his hands in his pockets, strolled round the room with an appearance of negligence and indifference to what was going on. By these means he succeeded in disarming suspicion, and, getting to windward of his prey, stole upon him from behind gradually and unperceived. Then waiting patiently his strategy was rewarded by observing that the man once more turned his head from side to side, yet not quite far enough to see him, and once more put his band into his breast pocket. Then the examiner sprang forward in elation, and seized his hand in the very act of grasping the suspected object. “Sir,” said he, “this is the fourth time I have watched you doing this. What have you in your hand ?” The man hesitated to reply, and this, coupled with his confusion, confirmed the suspicions of the examiner. “ I must insist, sir, on seeing what you have in your hand.” The man reluctantly complied, and, drawing his hand from his pocket, presented to the dismayed examiner the photograph of a young lady. This it was which had been his hidden source of inspiration. This had been the secret of his ever-freshened energy. Yery humbly and sincerely did the examiner offer his apologies, as he returned crestfallen to his seat; and it gites the finishing touch to the story to learn that the candidate married the young lady in due time, and that they are now living happily together in the enjoyment of the blessings of their faithful lore, so rudely tested and discovered. —Temple Bar.