Savory Morsels

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5180, 24 August 1885, Page 2

Savory Morsels

Trembles, who in his time has suffered from what are irreverently called the blue devils, got into (he train the other day, and hung his umbrella—which was a curious snake like crook—upon the lover part of the carriage window. He had been drinking his own health all day, and instantly fell asleep. Just before the train started a gentleman got in, and by that process of unconscious imitation which is so human, hung his umbrella beside that of Trembles, and the owner of umbrella No. 2 addressed him about-the sale of some land in the value of which both were interested. In the middle of the first sentence the twin umbrellas caught the startled eye of Trembles. He endeavored to listen to his friend, but ever and anon the horrible vision of a second demon umbrella haunted him and held his fascinated gaze. At last bis friend, as the train stopped at a wayside station, took up his umbrella and got out. "Thank God," ejaculated Trembles,. " there are two ["—Australasian

One of Peter the Great's court jesters was one day in the centre of a group of officers who were eagerly relating their several exploits during a recant battle. At length the jester inter* rupted them. " Ah, gentlemen." laid he, " these stories are all very good, and may be all quite true for what I know; but big deeds were all performed when yon were in large numbers together and always ready to receive support and encouragement from your comrades. Now, at the battle in question, I was hovering all alone upon the enemy's £Unk, prepared to do any bold deed that circumstances might suggest. Suddenly I came upon several grenadiers who had got detached from the main body. I drew my sword, rushed at the nearest of them, and —" "What?" eagerly cried the ©fficers. " Cut off his right foot at a stroke." " His foot, you fool ? Why didn't you cut off his head ? " "Oh!" said the jester, "I forgot to mention it, but his head had been oat off before."