The Party Over There


  A MAN in a Hurry, whose watch was at his lawyer's, asked a Grave 
Person the time of day.

  "I heard you ask that Party Over There the same question," said the 
Grave Person.  "What answer did he give you?"

  "He said it was about three o'clock," replied the Man in a Hurry; 
"but he did not look at his watch, and as the sun is nearly down, I 
think it is later."

  "The fact that the sun is nearly down," the Grave Person said, "is 
immaterial, but the fact that he did not consult his timepiece and 
make answer after due deliberation and consideration is fatal.  The 
answer given," continued the Grave Person, consulting his own 
timepiece, "is of no effect, invalid, and absurd."

  "What, then," said the Man in a Hurry, eagerly, "is the time of 
day?"

  "The question is remanded to the Party Over There for a new 
answer," replied the Grave Person, returning his watch to his 
pocket and moving away with great dignity.

  He was a Judge of an Appellate Court.