Maumee City express. [volume] (Maumee City, Ohio) 1838-184?, 1839-10-19
From the Baltimore Sun.
AN EVEN SWAP.


AN EVEN SWAP.
There is a time IN the trade of those
moulders of gentilty, yclept tallors, which
they technically denomnate "cucumber
time During this period, which extends
from the latter end of July to the end OF
August, business is at complete stand, and
scarcely stitch is taken, unless It be to
"busher' the unmentonables of some un-
fortunate bachelor, who has neglected the
adage that ga stitch in time saves nlne."
1t was upon one of these idle days, that a
merchant tailor in certain business street
in this city, was standing lIstlessly behind
his counter, clipping into shreds and patch
es piece of list with pair OF shears that
were rusted with long disuse. He thought
Of heavy outstanding bills and incoming
notes, he called to mind the busy hours he
had spent in taking the dimensions of the
sapling sprigs of fashion, and padding them
INTO shape according to Gunter; he looked
at his dusty shelves and cast an eye this old
goose, and avowed that the first customer
that applied, he would bargain with upon
his own terms. The vow was scarcely re-
corded by the commissioner of such deeds,
when man entered the store, and the wor-
thy proprietor rejoiced that his vow had
been heard. "Look here" said the person,
a man of no large dimensions, but with a
roguish twinkle in his eye, 81 want ii
suit of clothes; these have on are rather
shabby, but have got no money to pay for
a new SUIT. Will you take the pay out i'll
trade?' SIN any way that viii suit you
sir. May inquire what business you are
in?' 81 am planter was the the reply,
"and have deposited large crop IN the
city, which yields me handsome income,
and is insured by bank that covers it. !
will, however, give you u house that III
warrant will last you longer than you live, II
you'll give mca suit of the best black CLOTH"
-"I'ln extremely happy to take your mea-
sure sir. You shall have as many suits as
you can wear for year" The cloth was
selected, the measure taken, and the tai
lor rubbed his hands with joy at having OBJ
.ained SO good bargain. The clothes
were to be completed by the next day, and
the 'iours' the shack and stay crook aud
the boss were as busy as majors. All
night they worked, and 80 rapidly flew their
stitches that the friction of the silk almost
set the cloth on fire, and the needles waxed
so warm that their fingers were nearly
burnt into blisters. At day break the suit
was finished, and it was a rig out fit for an
emperor, About ten o'clock the little man
popped in. He looked around with quick
glance, &spying the toggery he nad ordered
he had approached and felt it in business
kind of manner. What's thisT said he,
wool dyed? made in fashionable style!
Eh!' Yes sir, latest fashlon--best quality
fit you like glove 'Let's try it on.
No sooner said than done. The clothes
were on him, and as he surveyed his i'm
proved appearance in the glass, he gave a
nod of approval to the skiliul manufacturer
of gentlemen. 81 hat II do, what's the bill!
Fifty dollars, sir, on the account. You
willplease give me bill of sale of the house
you speak Of, and will give you receipt
for the amount and sign an agreement te
furnish you with any amount of clothing du'
ring year. 'Oh, the house. Very well
How tall are you? Let's see. Five feet
six. Well, Pm sexton, and any time you
choose to call, or any of your friends bring
you to my plantation, I'll dig SO cool ant
comfortable grave for you that you vii
sleep like an Egyptian mummy" The tai
lor stood aghast. Is that the trade we bar
tered forF Certainly. You'll want my
services some of these days, and | wan
yours now. You. can have your pay at
soon as you like, and the sooner the better
for | hate to be in debt, and should like tc
discharge the obligation. Business IS dul
Just now, SO if you can come soon, I'll have
time to accommodate you in the best man
ner.' This was denoument little expect
ed. The tailor was glad to get rid of his
cute customer by taking his own word fol
the payment, and swears he will never dt
another job on trade.