"Well," said I, "here is a fine occasion for a grand head-line to-morrow; you are not going to let it slip, I suppose."
"What do you mean?"
"How can you ask? Why, Jacob gone up the ladder! of course."
"Splendid!" he exclaimed.
"Pends-toi, my dear editor, thou didst not find that one."
"I must have it. How much will you take for it?"
"I'll make you a present of it," said I.
Next morning, the death of the financier was told in two columns, headed:
Jacob gone up the ladder.
If ever I wanted to apply for a journalistic post in America, this would be my most weighty recommendation in the eyes of my future chief.