The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1852-06-12
The Latest Dodge,

Among the numerous expcdieuts which have
been rested to in evading the Maine Liquor Law,
the following is the NEST ingenious
About fortnight since, tall specimen Of
" Yankee manufacture arrived in the good city
Of Portland, in the State of Name and establish.
ed himself and luggage at ths Elm Hotel. This
luggage consisted Of \ vaise, and large oblong
box containing (for the inspectors had examined
its contents) n quantity Of books richly bound
which the proprietor had brought Tor the purpose
Of retailing about the city.
After seeing his property placed IN the room
allotted to him, the pedar made his appearance
in the tiice with small volume in his hand. He
glanced lis keen, shrewd eve lesurely around
the room, which contained at that moment no one
bu, the clerk and myself
POND Of readingi" inquired the pedar Of the
clerk, when be had finished his observation.
Don't get any time to read replied the clerk,
tartly, busying himself at the desk,
IL rather guess I've got a book here you'd
like to read" continued the pedlar, perseyer
ngy
What is itr
well. its n real good book and just for the
times, too, cause it'll give a man spiritual con.
ISOLATION; and lhev do say that's what man can't
get very easy in Maine-just about now
That's very true; hut your " consolation un'
fortunately, my friend, does not happen to be OF
the right sort"
There was cunning leer in the pedlar's eye
as he enquired Fond OF the rightsort hey T.
when | can get it," said the clerk becoming
Interested
Guess | shall sell you this book, thep," SAID
the pedlar decidedly,
"What is it--you have not told me the name
of it yet"
Its the Pilgrims Progress"
"0h, bother, I've read it dozen tines"
| but this is an entirely new edition"
"Ohl its all the same
Beautifully engraved"
oh nonsensc---l don't want it," And so
saying he commenced writing again, yisibly an'
noycd.
Say. ycu-better look 10 the picters" con.
tinued the pedar, thrusting the book under his
very nose.
This movement had an astonishing etFcc, upon
the clerk lie Jumped Of his chair and began to
examine the volume eagerly; but much to my
surprise. without opening il: then seemingly
satisfied with the scrutiny, he asked the price and
purchased it.,
Say, you"-sad the pcdlar, after the bargain
was concludcd-moving towards the door-"Say
YOU, il anybody else should see that book and
want to get another jus, like it, send 'em up tC
No ~, and I'll accommodate 'cm Just about n
quick as they please"
And exchanging a very queer and myseriou
look with the clcik, the p,dlar vanished.
What on earth made you buy that book l
asked Of the clerk as soon us he had gone.
See here moment
advanced and looked over his shoulder Turn
ing up one end Of the book, he removed n small
slide, and discovered storrlc which he un
screwed and then handed me the book, which
applied mechanically to my mouth,
What is it r. asked he, laughing
Brdndy-by jingow exclaimed l. pnusirg t
take breath, and making tracks for the door.
Hollo, where are you agongr
"up stairs; it has just struck me that the I'll
grim's Progress will be an excellent addition /
my library."
The mex, day the pcdlars stock was en,rel
exhausted.