Page:Odds and ends, or, A groat's-worth of fun for a penny (2).pdf/19

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have been considerably more than an hour bringing me here! What do you call your coach?' 'The Regulator, Sir,' said the man. 'The Regulator!' replied Rogers; it is a very proper title—for all the other stage coaches go by it.'

A lady observing Mr. Jekyll directing some letters, one of which was addressed to 'Mr. ——— Solicitor;' and another to Mr ———, Attorney;' inquired what was the difference between an attorney and a solicitor. 'Much the same, my dear Madam,' replied the wit, 'as there is between a crocodile and an alligator.'

Poor Laws.—A man in the last stage of destitution, came before the sitting Magistrate, at Lambeth Street, and stated that having by the operation of the new Poor Laws, been suddenly deprived of parish assistance, he was reduced to such extremity, that if not instantly relieved he must be driven to do a deed that his soul abhorred. The worthy Magistrate instantly ordered him five shillings from the poor-box, and after a suitable admonition against giving way to despair, asked him what dreadful deed he would have been impelled to, but for this seasonable relief; 'To work,' said the man with a deep sigh as he left the office.

Scotch Frugality.—A commercial traveller having got a settlement of his account with a shopkeeper in Falkirk, invited him to dinner at the inn. 'Na, na,' said he, 'I never gang to an inn; I'll no gang. But just tell me how muckle it would cost you gi'eing me my dinner at the inn as ye ca'd?' 'Oh! never mind that,' said the traveller. 'Aye, but I want to ken—just tell me,' added be behind the counter. 'Oh,' said the tra-