Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1852-06-17
WHOLE NO. lI3G


LArrsr DoDoe.--The passage ofthe
Ma ne Law has afforded excellent food
for the wits to sharpen their masticators
on. The following is about as good q
joke as wc have yet read. No doubt,
however but We shall have occasion TO
laugh over many similar rum incident
before we are many weeks older,
About fortnight since. a tall speci
men of Yankee manufacture arrived in
the good city Of Por land, in the State
OF Maine and established himself and
luggage at the Elm Hotel. The lug
gage consisted of small valise and a
large oblong box, containing, for the in
spectors had examined its contents, a
quantity of books, richly bound, which
the proprietor brought for The purpose
Of retailing about the city.
After seeing his property placed in
the room allotted TO him, the pedler
made his appearance at the Office with
a small volume in his hand. He glanc-
ed his kneen shrewcd eye leisurely
around the room, which contained at
tina, moment no one bu, the clerk and
| himself
" Fond Of reading 2" inquired the
pedIar Of the clerk, when he had finish
cd his observation.
Don't get any time 10 read" replied
the clerk.
rather guess I've got hook here
you'd like TO read, A" continued the pedlar
perseveringly.
What is il Z"
Wsh il's real good book, and jus'
right for the limcs too cause it'll give
a man spiritual consolation ; and they
do say that's what man can't get very
easy in Maine-just about now
Thai'svery true, but your consoa-
lion, unfortunately, my friend, does not
happen to be OF tie righ, sort"
There was a cunning !cer in the
pedlar's eye. as he inquired
Fond ofihe right sort, hey 2"
When can gel it," said the clerk,
becoming interested.
. Guess shall sell you this book,
them said the pedlur decidedly.
What is i,-you hav'n, told me the
name of j. yeti" ..s.
It's Pilgrims Progress" 4Fr
"Oh, bother ! I've read IT at least a
dozen times"
But ihis i7 entirely n new edIton."
Oh it's al! the same"
Beautifully engraved" .
Oh nonsense-l don't want it,"
And so saying he commenced writ
ing again. vissibly annoyed.
"Say, you-belter look at the pictur-
es, continued tie pedlar, thrusting the
book under his nose.
This movement had an astonishing
effect upon the clerk. He jumped of
the Chair, and began 10 examine the
volume eagerly; bu, much ia my sur
prise, without opening II. Then seem
ingy satisfied with the scrutiny, lie
asked the price and purchased 1t.
Say, YOU" said the pedlar, after
the bargain had been conSuded--mov-
ing towards :he door" Say, you, iiany
body else should see ihat book and want
10 get another ius' like 1t. send'em up Ia
73 and Ill accommodate 'cm just aboat
as fast rs they please"
And exchanging very queer and
mysterious look with the clerk, the ped
lar VANISHED.
What on earth mad G you buy that
book ~ asked the clerk, as lie had
gone.
- See here n moment"
advanced aud looked over hls
shoulder. Turning up one end Of the
book he removed small slide, and dis
covered a s,opplc which he unscrcwed
and then handed me Tie book which
applied mechanically to my mouth.
What is it1' asked he, laughing
"Brandy dy--by jingop exclaimed !,
pauslng 10 take breath, and then max
ing tracks Tor the door.
Hello where are you going 2"
Up stairs, il has just struck me that
the Pilgrims Progress Will make an ex-
celIcnt add lion To my library" The
next day the pcdlar's stock was exhaust