Trials of a Tramp.

He was a seedy-looking tramp, and he was working the “pity-the-old-sailor” dodge.

He called at a likely house along the road.

“Could you do something for a poor old sailor, mum?” he asked, as a scurfaced woman opened the door.

The woman eyed him suspiciously. “Poor old sailor?” she echoed.

“Yes, mum,” replied the tramp.

“Nigh on 40 years I followed the water.”

“Well,” replied the sour-faced female, as she slammed the door in his face, “it's a pity you didn't overtake it!”