Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 21, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 November 1899 — Riley’s Joke on the Farmer. [ARTICLE]

Riley’s Joke on the Farmer.

James Whitcomb Riley and Nye were a peculiar pair. They were everlastingly playing practical jokes. I remember when we were riding together in the smoking compartment, between Columbus and Cincinnati. Mr. Nye was a great smoker and Mr. Riley did not dislike tobacco. An old farmer came over to Mr. Nye and said: “Are yon Mr. Riley? I heard you was- on the train.” “No, lam not Mr. Riley. He is over there.” * “I knew his father, and I would like to speak to him.” “Oh, speak with him, yes. But he is deaf and you want to speak loud.” So the farmer went over to him and said In a loud voice: “Is this Mr. Riley?” “Er, what?” “Is this Mr. Riley?” “What did you say?” “Is this Mr. Riley?” “Riley, yes.” “I knew your father.” “No bother.” “I knew your father.” “What?” “I knew j r our father.” “Oh, so did I.” And in a few moments the farmer heard him talking In an ordinary tone of voice.—Saturday Evening Post