The Worst Averted.

The superintendent of a railroad had issued strict orders instructing stationmasters along the line to report all accidents or near-accidents immediately. The next day he received the following telegram:—

“Man fell off platform in front of engine. Will wire details later.”

Five minutes later the details came over the wire.

“Everything O.K. Nobody hurt. Engine was going backward.”

* * *

“Describe water, Johnny,” said the teacher.

“Water,” explained Johnny, after a lengthy pause, “is a white fluid that turns black when you put your hands in it.”

* * *