TIT FOR TAT

New Zealand Tablet, 10 September 1908, Page 37

TIT FOR TAT

It is never wise to intrude one's prejudices uponJthe general public, since there is everywhere someone capable of taking up such prejudices and turning them to ridicule. "Nowhere ' is" this more true than in the case of strangers in country .towns, for -nowhere does ready wit find expression more freely than under such circumstances. • • . The following story is related of a certain' lawyer named '. Ratcliffe, who was famous, in, his circle for his scepticism, and his hatred of religious things. One time this Mr. Ratcliffe had occasion to go to St. Albans, to take testimony in a law case in which he was engaged. He amused himself during the proceedings by continually . alluding to the town as ' Albans,' instead of S,t. Albans. - Presently one. of , the ' local lawyers present asked : " ' Why do you call this place " Albans ''V, '.- 'Because I don't like saints,' said Mr. Ratcliffe. 'Oh!'Nothing more was said on the subject, but by-and-bye the work being completed, the lajvyer rose to take his departure. " 'Good-bye, gentlemen," he said "to the .three or four St. iAlbans men who were present. 4 Good-bye, Mr. Cliffe,' they all answered at once. 4 What r do" you mean by calling me. Mr. Cliffe?' he exclaimed. • "■' : x ' ' Why, we don't like rants'," sajd-dnc-of the St. .Albans men.