Too Many on the Job

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Samuel Dobson is about to attend a banquet given by some of the political leaders with whom he wishes to be in touch. It begins to look as though he would have to stay away, for his dress trousers have not come home from the tailor's. Though he is a fat and good-natured man, he is much worried, but worry is turned to rejoicing at the sight of the boy with the box. Joy is short lived. The blundering tailor has made the legs a full two inches too long. Dobson implored his wife to cut them down for him, but she pleads a headache. Her maiden sister is shocked at the suggestion and the daughter of the house hasn't time, she declares. Dobson starts to dress on the promise of Mrs. Dobson that she will try and do the work when her headache is better, and presently she returns and makes the desired alterations. The maiden lady sees the trousers thrown over the back of the chair and notes that it is almost time for Dobson to be starting. She cuts off two inches from the legs and goes her way. The little daughter repents her refusal and she, too, makes a cut and hands the garment to her father. Mrs. Dobson is shocked to see six bits of cloth upon the floor and she is investigating when Dobson enters. Instead of being two inches too long they are now four inches too short, and a generous four inches at that. You can turn up your trousers when they are too long, but you cannot turn them down when they are too short, and Dobson does not go to the banquet, while the family console with him.