HOW TOOLE WAS "HAD."

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2596, 2 March 1889, Page 2 (Supplement)

HOW TOOLE WAS "HAD."

Tm-.Ki-: is a story told of how Air Toole l!m actor, was once the victim of a little joke practised by Mr Wilson Barrett. J:lu nays —"it happened at "Ye Olde Englisho Fayre,' which I organised in K?bl at the Albert Jlall. Mr Toole and Mr .Barrett were both to play in the West Theatre. iMr Toole lost his way in the corridor, and seeing a clerical gentleman standing in tho shadow of the door, asked if that was tho way to the West Theatre. ' Theatre sir'r' says Barrett, recognising Toole and disguising his own voice. ' Yes sir, responds Toole. ' I believe there is a theatre somewhero hero,' was tho reply. ' May I venture to inquire (he name of the gentleman whom I am addressing r' 'My name is Toolo,' said the comedian. ' What—Toolo, tho playactor :-' asked Barrett with an expression of pained surprise. 'Yes, J. L.Toole,' was tho reply. ' Why do you ask ?' ' And you are Toole, the comedian !' exclaimed Barrett, half turning away. 'Is Toole, the comedian, such a horrible person '(' responded Toole, warmly. 'He may not he, but tho so-called profession to which ho belongs is a dreadful one.' ' Dreadful,' exclaimed Toole—dreadful ! "Why dreadful?' 'The theatre, sir, is an immoral thing ; it always has been—l fear it always must be. Oh, my dear friend bo warned in time! Leave it while yuu may yet find the belter path. 'Leave it'.' exclaimed Toole. 'I dou't know who you are, but you must allow me to sayjuii arc a very bigoted not to fray impertinent, person.' M.'arson, sir,' r Barrett —' that is tho character lam assuming at the moment.' 'Then you aro assuming it in a very offensive manner, sir, and I am sorry to seem rude in making that remark : .1 have known, and do know, many of your cloth, and have invariably found them men of charity and benevolence, and—' ' That will do, Johnny, oil friend,' said Barrett, in his own voice. ' I have made a clerical error evidently. You had better get. on, or you'll mi-:* your cue. They have called you, I believe, ever so long since."