The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-03-19
.Itistwo hundred dollars,

two hundred dollars y exclaimed the
Yankee. by gauIy, what price Why
they axked me only quarter ofa dollar
to see the ephant and the whole cara
van in New York. Two hundred dol
lars! Why you must be joking now.
Bless me my whole load Of tinware,
boss, Wagon and all, wouldn't fetch
that at Milikin's auction. But, Mister,
don't you think could get in for ten dol
lars?'
Nothing short of, two hundred; and
that must he paid in the short space of
five minntes.'
We now thought we had fairly got rid
ofthe fellow; but he returned to the
charge, and asked if fifty dollars would mt
do, then seventy-fye, then hundred;
and finding he could not make bargain
for less than the regular sum, he en-
gagged to give it provided he could find
any one to loan him the money, for
which he offered to pawn his Wagon
load of notions and Sleepy David to boot.
He asked one, and then another, to ac-
commodate him with the loan-declar-
ing as soon as ever he took the purse,
the money should be returned, and he
would give dozen tin whistles into the
bargain.--He, however, got more curses
than coppers, until some wag, who had
plenty Of cash, and liked to see the sport
20 on; lent him the two hundred dollars
out of sheer malice; though, as it after
wards turned out, the Yankee had mon
ey enough about him, and was merely
playing the possum all the while.
His next object was to borrow a cad
dle.-Here also he was accommodate
and taking Sleepy David from his tin
cart, he scrambled upon his back, and
took his station on the course. You
neversaw fellow sit horse SO awk-
wardly in all your life. Every body
said he would fall before he had gone a
hundred yards; and some out Of COM
passion urged him to withdraw.
Not by darned sight exclaimed he
why do you think I'm such tarnal
fool as TO pay two hundred dollars, and
then not run ayter all
Others, who wanted to see the sport,
though it should cost some broken bones
encouraged him to proceed-saying as
they laughed aloud, that they had no
doubt but he would carry off the purse.
That's what mean to do said he
i haint come here for nothing, can
tell you. Wake, up Sleepy David, and
look about you; you must have your eyes
open TO day; it's 10 time to be snoozin
when there's money at stake
The horse, as if he understood what
his master was saying, opened his eyes,
pricked up his ears, and uctually showed
some signs Of life.
The signal was now given to start.
Away sprang Southron, with the speed
and away sprang the other
southern horses, leaving Sleepy David
far in the rear. and the pedlar verg:ng
from side to side, as If he was just ready
to fall off. The horse went pawing'a-
long with his tail clinging close to his
launches, and his nose stuck out straight
before him; and you never beheld SO
queer figure cut by any man and horse
as this singular pair made.
But they improved as they proceeded
the pedler sat more jockey-like. and
the horse evidently gained upon the 9TH
ers. But it would not do. He came in
at least half mile behind Southron,
and little less behind the others.
1t was now thought that the Yankee
had got enough Of the race, and would
Withdraw before the next heat. Con-
trary to all expectation, however, he
persevered; and even offered to bet a
thousand dollars on the issue of the race
The fellows fool said one.
He don't know which side his bread
is buttered,' said another, 'or else he
wouldn't risk any moro money on so
desperate stake
Hes safe enough there said third,
'for he has no more to risk
Here, however, every body was mis-
taken again, for the pedler hauled out
and old greasy pocket book aud planked
the thousan1 dollars. 1t was covered
Of course. But confess ! now began
to be staggered; and suspect the Yankee
was after all more knave than fool. ]
had no fears, however, for the purse.
Southron was not horse to be distanccd
in one day, and especially by such
miserable looking devil as Sleepy David.
The second heat was now commenced
-and, i'll had before felt confident in
the entire superiority of my noble horse
Southron. that confidence was strength
ened, as again saw him coming in IL
head of the rest. / considered the purse
now as my own property.-In imagina-
ton ] had grasped it, and was about
putting it safely in my pocket, when 10,
and behold the pedler's horse, which
was behind all the rest, suddenly shot
g. sLo lo.l I..Iul l:.~.