After Many Trials
He was a sad-faced American tourist, and as he seated himself in a London restaurant he was immediately attended by an obsequious waiter.
“I want two eggs,” said the American—“one fried on one side and one on the other.”
“’Ow is that, sir?” asked the astounded waiter.
“Two eggs—one fried on one side and one on the other.”
“Very well, sir.”
The waiter was gone several minutes, and when he returned his face was a study.
“Would you please repeat your horder, sir?”
“I said, very distinctly, two eggs—one fried on one side and one on the other.”
Oppressive silence, and then a dazed “Very well, sir.”
This time he was gone longer, and when he returned he said anxiously:
“Would it be awsking too much, sir, to ’ave you repeat your horder, sir? I cawn’t think I ’ave it right, sir, y’know.”
“Two eggs,” said the American sadly and patiently—“one fried on one side and one on the other.”
More oppressive silence and another and fainter “Very well, sir.”
This time he was gone still longer. When he returned his collar was unbuttoned, his hair disheveled and his face scratched and bleeding. Leaning over the waiting patron he whispered beseechingly:
“Would you mind tyking boiled heggs, sir? I’ve ’ad some words with the cook.”