Luke Myers' story in 151211 MMDigest of the one that got away
reminded me of the one that got away from me about 45 years ago.
We hadn't been married long and decided a player piano would be just
the thing to buy next.  I placed a wanted ad in the local paper and
got three or four replies.

Well, we went to see the first one about eight or ten miles from
home and were ushered into the house and introduced to the instrument.
Our hostess gave it a glowing testimonial and on trying it out it was
a nice instrument to play, reasonably in tune but the music roll
didn't turn.  Cups of tea and cake were provided and we sat in the
best parlour making small-talk until I asked how much the lady wanted
for it.  "Make me an offer," so I did and ten seconds later we were
dispossessed of our teacups and cake and were out in the garden.

The second one we saw was working fine and we bought it for less than
I had offered the first seller.  We still laugh at the speed at which
we were ejected from that first house.

Frank Chadwick