Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 May 1912 — SIGN WAS TRIFLE AMBIGUOUS [ARTICLE]

SIGN WAS TRIFLE AMBIGUOUS

Placard Bearing Inscription “Families Supplied” Taken at It* Literal Meaning by Customer? “The merchant can't be too careful In having his announcements perfectly plain,” remarked Sir James Butler to some friends the other day. “For Instance, a man went into a butcher shop recently and said to the man behind the counter: “‘I want two boys and a girl please.' “ ‘Beg pardon, sir,’ replied the man “ T want two boy* and a girl.' " ‘Beg pardon, air.' “The manager of the shop, seeing * little misunderstanding between the ■ two. went to the gentleman and said: | “ Please excuse my assistant, but , he is a new hand and perhaps does not understand you. What is your wish ?’ ‘“Two boys and a girl, if you please.’ “‘I beg your pardon, sir, but !’■ afraid I don’t quite understand you myself,’ replied the manager "‘I want—two—boys—and—a— girl. Is that plain enough?” answered the gentleman. “The manager then said, ‘l’m sorry, but I don’t keep them.’ “The gentleman then replied: “ ‘But you have a sign outside, “FamIlles Supplied.”’”—Exchange.