American fiction -- 19th century; American poetry -- 19th century; American wit and humor; Short stories, American
"Trot out, now," said the bartender. "There's a church member looking
in the back door, and he won't come in till everybody's out."
Ridiculous
The following conundrum was left at the office yesterday by a young
man, who immediately fled:
"Why is the coming Sunday like a very young body?"
Answer: "Because it's neck's weak."
We do not see any reason why this should be the case. It is impossible
for Sunday or any other day in the week to have a neck. The thing is
printed merely to show what kind of stuff people send in to the paper.
Guessed Everything Else
A man with a long, sharp nose and a big bundle which he carried by a
strap went up the steps of the gloomy-looking brick house, set his
bundle down, rang the bell, and took off his hat and wiped his brow.
A woman opened the door and he said: "Madam, I have a number of not
only useful but necessary articles here that I would like to show you.
First, I want you to look at these elegant illustrated books of travel
and biography, written by the best authors. They are sold only by
subscription. They are bound in--"
"I don't care to see them. We have sm--"
"Small children only, eh? Well, Madam, here are some building blocks
that are very instructive and amusing. No? Well, let me show you some
beautiful lace window curtains for your sitting room, handmade and a
great bargain. I can--"
"I don't want them. We have sm--"
"Smoking in the house? It won't injure them in the least. Just shake
them out in the morning and I guarantee not a vestige of tobacco smoke
will remain. Here also I have a very ingenious bell for awakening lazy
servants in the morning. You simply touch a button and--"
"I tell you we have sm--"
"Have smart servants, have you? Well, that is a blessing. Now, here is
a clothes line that is one of the wonders of the age. It needs no pins
and can be fastened to anything--fence, side of the house, or tree. It
can be raised or lowered in an instant, and for a large washing is the
most convenient and laborsaving invention that--"
"I say we have small--"
"Oh, you have a small family. Let's see, then I have here a--"
"I'm trying to tell you," said the woman, "that we have smallpox in
the family, and--"
The long-nosed man made a convulsive grab at his goods and rolled down
the steps in about two seconds, while the woman softly closed the door
just as a man got out of a buggy and nailed a yellow flag on the
house.
The Prisoner of Zembla
By Anthony Hoke
So the king fell into a furious rage, so that none durst go near him
for fear, and he gave out that since the Princess Astla had disobeyed
him there would be a great tourney, and to the knight who should prove
himself of the greatest valor he would give the hand of the princess.
And he sent forth a herald to proclaim that he would do this.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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