Officers have a right to ask questions in the performance of their duty, but there are occasions when it seems as if they might curtail or forego the privilege. Not long ago an Irishman whose hand had been badly mangled in an accident entered the Boston City Hospital relief station in a great hurry. He stepped up to the man in charge and inquired:
"Is this the relief station, sor?"
"Yes. What is your name?"
"Patrick O'Connor, sor."
"Are you married?" questioned the officer.
"Yis, sor, but is this the relief station?" He was nursing his hand in agony.
"Of course it is. How many children have you?"
"Eight, sor. But sure, this is the relief station?"
"Yes, it is," replied the officer, a little angry at the man's persistence.
"Well," said Patrick, "sure, an' I was beginning to think that it might be the pumping station."
