'Now, we use the joints where
formerly we used ladders - as they do still in country places.
Once, when Madame' (Vestris, understood) 'was playing in Liverpool,
another bill-sticker and me were at it together on the wall outside
the Clarence Dock - me with the joints - him on a ladder. Lord! I
had my bill up, right over his head, yards above him, ladder and
all, while he was crawling to his work. The people going in and
out of the docks, stood and laughed! - It's about thirty years
since the joints come in.'
'Are there any bill-stickers who can't read?' I took the liberty of
inquiring.
'Some,' said the King. 'But they know which is the right side
up'ards of their work. They keep it as it's given out to 'em. I
have seen a bill or so stuck wrong side up'ards. But it's very
rare.'
Our discourse sustained some interruption at this point, by the
procession of cars occasioning a stoppage of about three-quarters
of a mile in length, as nearly as I could judge. His Majesty,
however, entreating me not to be discomposed by the contingent
uproar, smoked with great placidity, and surveyed the firmament.
When we were again in motion, I begged to be informed what was the
largest poster His Majesty had ever seen.
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