A FORETASTE OF THE FUTURE.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 526, 6 July 1869, Page 2

A FORETASTE OF THE FUTURE.

The Lyttelton Times, of a late date, has the following about the late earthquake : —" Shortly after the last earthquake, three men rather fond of their nip, from which they had been disturbed, were standing together. One said: 'lsa', Bill, did you hear that?' 'Yes, I did, and no mistake.' A minute or so passed, when Tom again spoke. ' I say, Bill, do you smell the sulphur?' ' Well, I do smell suinmat queer, and no mistake ; don't you, Jack ?' Jack admitted he also smelt the sulphur. They stood staring at each other in the greatest fear, and gave the impression, as one told a friend afterwards, that the nethermost pit had suddenly opened, and they had nothing to look forward to but an instantaneous headlong rush into it, and among its inhabitants. Suddenly Jack clapped his hand to his breeches pocket, and connecting his feelings with the earthquake, screamed: 'My word, I'm burning/and he undoubtably was, for in his fear he had put his lighted pipe in his pocket, and ignited his wooden matches, which accounted for the smell of sulphur. Bill and Tom expressed great comfort when they found that their sojourn in the pit was delayed for some time, and that Jack was the only one who had a foretaste of its quality."