“So you’re the puir crittur,” said the stone-breaker, “’at’s meanin’ to be a humorist.”

This was the challenge. We all knew what it meant, and fixed our eyes on the stranger.

A TARTAR

Dr. M‘Currie (a chilly old soul), having ascertained from his landlady that coals are sixpence a scuttle, politely insists on providing a scuttle of his own, and begs to return, with many thanks, the charmingly tasteful article she had intended for his use.

SOLILOQUY

“If I hold on, I’ll lose my train; if I let go, I’ll fa’! Did ever onybody hear tell o’ sic a predicament?”