Ready for Action.

“Waiter, bring me a chop, please, rather well done. Look sharp; I'm in a hurry.”

“Very sorry, sir, but we haven't a chop in the house to-day.”

“Well, then, I'll have a steak.”

“Just as bad as before, sir, for we haven't a steak left.”

“Oh, well, what joints have you?”

“None sir.”

“Wha-a-t! No chops, no steaks, no joints? What have you got then?”

“Got the bailiffs in, unfortunately.”

“Bailiffs, eh?” (sharpening his knife on his fork). “Well bring in a bailiff!”