William Reid’s Queer Customer

THAT once well-known local bibliopole of a former generation, William Reid, of Reid & Brash, booksellers, Glasgow, was exceedingly fond of a good joke, and having a fair

share of humour himself, he was the better able to be either the judge or the occasion of it in others.

One day an old woman from the clachan of Campsie entered the shop inquiring for— "A Testament of a mair than ordinar’ roun’ teep." Accordingly one of the largest size was shown to her, which she carefully examined, exacting a serious tribute on Mr. Reid’s patience.

"This ane will no do—it’s a pity, noo, for it’s a bonnie book—ha’e ye ony o’ the same size, but wi’ the print about twice as grit?" (large).

"There is no such Testament printed in Scotland," was the reply.

"Weel, I’ll tell ye what ye may do, sin’ I ha’e gi’en ye a’ this trouble; I’m gaun wast the gate to Anderston, to see a brither’s bairn that I maun see afore I leave the toun, an’ ye can just put your stampin’-irons in the fire an’ cast ane aff to me by the time that I come back—we’ll no cast out about the price."