The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1852-1855, 1852-05-27
aheLnlest nod,.c.

Among the numerous expedients which
have been resorted TO in evading the Maine
Liquor Law the folloSingis is the most In
genious;
About fortnight since, a tall specimen of
Yankee manufacture arrived in the good
city of Portlandin the State of Maine and
established himself and luggage at the Elm
Hotel. This luggage consisted of a small
valise, and large oblong box, containing
for the inspectors had examined its con-
tents) a quantity of books richly bound
which the proprietor had brought for the
purpose of retailing about the city.
After seeing his property placed in the
room allotted to him, the pedlar made his ap-
pearance in the Office with small volume
in his hand.-He glanced his keen, shrewd
eye around the room, which contained al
that moment no one but the Clerk ana my
self,
"Fond of readingl" inquired the pedlar
of the clerk, when he had finished MS op-
servation.
"Don't get any time to read" replied the
clerk, tartIy, busying himself at the desk.
81 rather euess I've got book here you'd
like to read,' continued the pedlar perse-
lveringly.
What is itp
"Well it's real good book; and just right
for the times, too, cause it'll give man sPir-
itual consultations; and they do say that's
what man can't get very easy in Maine
just about now
That's very true, but your consolation,
unfortunately, my friend does not happen to
be the right sort
There was cunning leer in the pedlar's
eye as he inquired; Fond Of the right sort,
heyp
when can get it, said the clerk, becom-
ing interested.
Guess shall sell you this book, then, said
the pedlar decidedly.
What is it-you haven't told me the name
Of it yetp
Its the Pilgrims Progress
'Oh, brother! I've read it dozen times,
But this is an entire new edition.
'Oh! it's allthe same
Beautifully engraved
Oh! nonsence-I don't want it, And so
saying, he commenced writing again, visi-
bly, annoyed.
Say, you,--better look at the pictures
continued the pedlar, thrusting the book un-
der hisvery nose.
This movement had an astonishing effect
upon the clerk. He jumped off his chair
d,began to examine the volume eagerly;
but much to my surprise without opening it.
Then seemingly satisfied with the scrutiny
| he asked the price and purchased il.
Say, you,--said the pedlar, after the bar
gain was concluded--moving towards the
door--'Say you, if any body else should see
that book and want to get another just like
it, send 'em up to No. 70, and I'll accommo-
date 'em just about as quick as they please.
And exchanging very queer and myste-
rious look with the clerk the pedlar vanished.
what on earth made you buy that book
asked of the clerk, as soon as he had gone.
See here, a moment.
advanced and looked over his shoulder
Turning up one end of the book, he removed
a smull slide, and discovered a stopple, which
he unscrewed, and then handed me the book,
which applied mechanically to my mouth.
What is it,! asked he laughing.
'Brandy--by jingor exclaimed |, pausing
to take breath and making tracks for the
door.
'Hallow! where are you goingP
up stair; it has just struck me that the
Pilgrims Progress will be an excellent adj
dition to my library
The next day the pedlar's stock was ex.
hausted.