Among after-dinner speakers, Joseph Jefferson ranked as one who could tell
a good story in a dry, delightful way. His stories dealt principally with
theatrical subjects.
"While starring through Indiana several years ago," he said at a dinner
one night, "my manager was approached by a man who had the local
reputation of being a pass 'worker,' or dead-beat. He told the usual yarn
about being a former actor, and ended by asking for professional
courtesies.
"'I would be glad to oblige you,' said the manager, 'but, unfortunately, I
haven't a card with me.' Just then a happy thought struck him, and he
added: 'I'll tell you what I'll do. I will write the pass where it will be
easy for you to show it.'
"Leaning over, with a pencil he wrote 'Pass the bearer' on the fellow's
white shirt-front, and signed his name. The beat thanked him and hastened
to the gate. The ticket-taker gravely examined the writing and let him
take a few steps inside, then called him back, saying, in a loud voice:
"'Hold on, my friend; I forgot. It will be necessary for you to leave that
pass with me.'"--_Harper's Weekly._