A Lesson for Prolix Writers.
In Newport, R. I., a grocer who kept a shop was noted for his grasping disposition. One day he nailed up a salt cod on one of the shutters of his shop, and underneath he wrote in chalk: “Codfish for sale cheap for cash here.” Presently in came an acquaintance, and said: “What do you have ‘here’ on that sign about codfish for?” You don’t sell codfish or any other goods in any place but here. Anybody would know where you sold them without that word.” “That’s so,” said the grocer. “Boy, wipe out the word ‘here’ from the codfish sign.” The boy obeyed, and the next day another critic appeared. Said he, “‘For cash!’ Who ever knew you to trust for any goods? Why do you say you sell codfish for cash?” “You are right,” said the grocer. “Boy, wipe out the words, ‘for cash,’ from the codfish sign.” This was done, and shortly after a third critic came to the shop, objecting to the word “cheap.” “Who ever knew you to undersell other dealers?” said he; “you don’t sell any cheaper than they. Your prices are just the same as theirs, and more, if you can get it. Cheap! cheap! what do you have that word for?” “Well, it is not of much use,” said the grocer. “Boy, wipe out the word ‘cheap’ from the codfish sign.” Again the boy did as his master bade, and the same day, critic No. 4 found fault with the phrase, “for sale.” Said he: “‘For sale!’ No one ever knew you to give away codfish. Of course you keep them for sale; there is no occasion for telling people what everybody knows.” “There is something in that,” said the grocer. “Boy, wipe out ‘for sale’ from the codfish sign.” This left the salt cod and the single word, “codfish,” beneath. It was but a few minutes after, that a customer, who came in to buy some goods, remarked to the grocer: “What a funny sign you’ve got out there! Any one would know that is a codfish nailed on your shutter.” “So they would,” was the reply. “Boy, wipe out the word ‘codfish’ from that sign.” The boy obeyed, and the fish remained with no inscription.—Ex.