As the boy philosophically pocketed the money and departed, the boss turned to the chief clerk and demanded:
Since when has that fellow been with us?
Never that I know of, was the response. He just brought over a proof for us from the printer.
Henry was at college. He had been spending somewhat too freely, and he was short. It was near the holidays and he hated to write home for money. As a last resort he pawned his dress suit to tide him over.
When the time came to leave for home the suit was still unredeemed. He knew he would need it at home. He hurriedly redeemed it at the last moment, packed it in the grip and was off.
His mother was helping him unpack. She came to the coat.
Henry, she asked, what is this ticket on your coat for?
Why, mother, he replied, I went to a dance the other evening and had my coat checked.
She continued putting away his garments. Finally she lifted out the trousers. They, too, were ticketed.