Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1851-11-18
UNCLE BILLY Snow.

Old Uncle Billy Snow was, and is the
kee1est trader in the country He was new
err known to make bad bargain. Many a
trap has been laid to catch him, but his oper-
atoms turned out so as to add something to
bis pile and mere to his reputation
Some time since party Of young men.
talking of Uncle Billy's great luck 10 his way,
various instances were mentioned of bis ex
traordinary trades and his uniform success
Jem Donnellon at length offered to bet that
he would catch him before two days. OF
course that was taken as soon as proposed.
and soon afterwards Jem left us to make his
preparations to win.
The next day was court day, and Jem aud
Mr.. Snow met at the court house.
Good morning Uncle Bill says Jem, all
well to-dayY
Pretty well, thank you. Jeemes my
son.
ANY trading on hand this morning. in
quired Donnelon.
Nothing in particular, Jeemes, times is
rather dull now; people don't trade as they
used to do
That's a fact, Uncle Billy responded
Jem. well, since nothing better offers,
Spoee YOU anu make trade.
No objection in the world Jeemes Go
ahead and let's hear from YOU
We'll, Uncle Billy, have mare yonder,
that want to trade for that mule Of yours
how will you trade 2
'ldon't know, exactly responded Mr.. Snow,
but as mules are generally considered worth
more than horses, and your mare is getting
along in years, 'spose ten dollars wouldn't
be too much boot, would it? Give me ten
dollars and your mare, and you may take the
mule
Done exclaimed Jem, perfectly delight
ed.
The money was paid over, and the critters
were handed over to their masters. Jem
took bis mule home. and that night the beast
lay down aud died. This was sore blow to
our hero, but be had one more day left, and
he determined to save himself The next
morning found him and Snow at the same
place, and the conversation as follows:
Uncle Billy says Jem, 4 think you came
the strong game over me, yesterday, in that
mule of yours didn't like him so much
this morning as did yesterday don't
think he improves much on acquaintance
what'll you take to ruca' (swap back)
Now. Jeemes, my son. answered Uncle
Billy, i don't want to be hard on you, but
you took me up at the first hop; and you
know trades trade But if you are anx
ious~ to rue, d, Mt care much. Give me ten
dollars more and you may have your mare
back
Uncle Bill, Ill do it, exclaimed Jcm in
great delight. But only on one condition
each man must come after and take away
his own beast ] didn't bring my mule along
to- day, and | see you didn't ride the mare,
SO it is as long to-day as it is broad. I'll
give you ten dollars now and III 90 home
with you first and get the mare and after
wards you can send, or come for the mule at
any time
Any way Jeems. replied Mr.. Snow.
The money was paid and Jem and the old
man started The next day when the same
crowd had met 70 decide the bet, Jen was
there giving in his experience as follows
The old man and rode along very costly
together, talking about everything in the
world except our trade. This question
lodged. ! was afraid to open my lips until
got my mare safe. AT last we reached the
old fellows house. He said to me as we en-
tered the yard-'Jeemes. my son, there is
your mare-you can take her away with you. ,
and boys, if there want the old mare, laying
in the yard as dead as door nail. The in
fernal cuss had died the same night nth
the mule IN Y. Spirit of the Times.