It is an old story, but a good one--that of the two Germans who went
into Delmonico's to get something to eat. They ordered a very simple
supper. They had a good beefsteak, fried potatoes, bread and butter, and
coffee, and were astounded when the waiter handed them a bill for four
dollars and a half. They paid the bill, and when they reached the street
one of them began to swear at "Dot man Delmonico. He is a robber and a
thief." His companion, however, gently laying a hand on his shoulder,
said, "Hermann, do not schwear. It iss wicked to schwear. Pesides, Gott
has ponished dat man Delmonico alretty." "Wie?" was the response. "How
has Gott ponished him?" "Hermann," said the other with quiet assurance,
"Gott has ponished him. I have my pockets full mit his spoons!"