Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 62, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 April 1902 — “Ask the Blacksmith.” [ARTICLE]

“Ask the Blacksmith.”

When Attorney Tom Cannon went East withTßeTefferson Club to Montleello, he chanced to run down to Richmond and Newport News. At the letter place he met a full-fledged Englishman, a Londoner, who was visiting America for the first time. Mr. Canuon and the Britisher went one evening for a ride into the country and chanced upon a typical Virginia village. Over a blacksmith shop was suspended a jocular sign, which read: “Ten miles to the next town. If you cau't read, ask the blacksmith.” “If you cawn’t read awsk the blacksmitli.” I cawu’t understand what that bally sign means, don't ye knoy,” exclaimed the Englishman. “Oh, that’s a joke,” explained Mr. Cannon. The Englishman studied the sign for a full miuute and then declared with a laugh: “How jolly clevah, don’t ye know! Wouldn’t it be a great joke if the bally blacksmith was not at home!”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch.