Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1902 — JOHN CHINAMAN’S WAY. [ARTICLE]

JOHN CHINAMAN’S WAY.

How *« Customer Got His Laundry After Two Years. j The ways of the Chinaman are mysterious. While there is no new thought in this statement, its truth can be vouched for by a young Washingtonian who has just recovered his bundle of laundry from a down-town shop presided over by a child-like celestial. Nearly two years ago he carried a selection of soiled linen to the Chinaman to be laundered. He received a little yellow piece of paper with some queer marks on it At the end of the week he looked for the bit of yellow paper, but could not find it He had ■been to the laundry several times and supposed the Chinaman could identify his goods without the ticket. The celestial shook his head and demanded the ticket.'

A month later another visit was made to the shop, but the Chinaman was unrelenting. Six months later, supposing the uncalled-fdr package would be recognized by the Chinaman by reason of its having been there so long, he made another attempt to get It. It was then discovered-that the shop-had changed hands, and the new proprietor’ only looked perplexed when a demand was made for the laundry. The disappointed customer then abandoned his pursuit of the lost package. This all happened nearly two years ago. Recently he got out a lightweight overcoat for use during chilly evenings, and, thrusting his hands into Its pocket, pulled out a yellow laundry ticket. He at once proceeded to the Chinaman’s shop, and, as if he had left a bundle there only a few days previously, laid down his ticket. The Chinaman glanced at the mysterious mark, and, reaching counter; hauled up the long-lost laundry without a moment’s hesitation. The recoverer of the supposedly lost goods should have been grateful, says the Washington Btar, but he was hot, and proceeded to say some things to the Chinaman that would not make pleasant reading If reproduced.