Hoax Backfires; Pinto Pony Takes Lilienthal by Surprise

A pinto pony, complete with western saddle and a congratulatory note from Tom Mix, was delivered to David E. Lilienthal, Jr. '49 at the College yesterday.

Lilienthal, as part of a study on children's radio serials, had previously traded box-tops for such items as mystery rings, atom guns, and quiz master sets.

Two days ago, in response to jibes, Lilienthal told friends that he had won a breakfast food contest for a pinto pony. When they threatened to have the story printed in the CRIMSON, however, he reneged. Although the winners had not been announced, the contest was over. And if he had won, Lilienthal claimed, he would have been notified by wire.

His friends decided to reverse the hoax. They rented a pony from a local stable, and had it delivered to Lilienthal yesterday before program time.

"I am very surprised," Lilienthal admitted. "Especially as I never entered the contest in the first place."