In the Consomme

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Mr. Sokeup is a shortsighted, apoplectic old gentleman, with a ravenous appetite. Getting impatient because his dinner is delayed, he bounces into the kitchen and orders the servant to serve the soup at once. Bridget accidentally drops a sponge into the soup tureen. Mr. Sokeup hastily proceeds to scoop the contents of the soup bowl into his plate, gulping down huge mouthfuls of the steaming broth. He swallows the sponge which Bridget had inadvertently dropped in. It commences to swell, expand and dilate. Physicians are called in and a rapid consultation is held. Various operations are attempted, but none afford any relief. The patient's life is despaired of. He is put to bed and left alone. At this moment two burglars happen to break in at the window of the sick-room, and, perceiving that the patient has noticed their presence and is likely to call for help, they rush at him and one of them plunges a knife into poor Mr. Sokeup's anatomy, right in the very spot where the sponge is located. The effect is miraculous. The distended sponge gives up the oceans of liquid which it has absorbed and a tremendous fountain shoots up and continues to play with unabated energy. The burglars are completely overcome. The doctors and friends rush in. Umbrellas are hoisted. Waterproof cloth is spread, and everybody is drenched to the skin. Mr. Sokeup is the first member of the party to recover. He now enjoys better health than ever.