Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1852-08-05
THE LATEST DODGE.
A TEMPERANCE ANECDOTE.
BY NEOPuITE.

Among the numerous expedients which
"Maine Liquor Law" | think the following
is the most Ingenious:
About 'ortnight since. a tall specimen
Of "Yank-e manufacture" arrived in the
good city Of Portland, in the State of Maine,
and established himself and luggage at the
Elm Hotel. This luggage consisted of a
small valise and large oblong box contain
ing (for the spectators had examined its,
contents) quantity Of books richly bound,
which the proprietor had bought for the pur-
pose Of retailing about the city.
After seeing his property placed in the
room allotted 10 him, the pedlar made his APP
pearance in the office with small volume
in his hand. He glanced his keen shrewd
eye leisurely around the room, which con-
tanned at that moment no one but the clerk
and myself.
Fond of reading?" inquired he of the
clerk when he had finished his observation.
"Don't get any time to read, +" replied the
clerk, short, busying himself at the desk.
II rather guess I've got book here,
you'd like to read, continued the pedlar per-
severingly.
"What is it?''
'Well, its real good book; and its Just
for the times, too, cause it'll give man
spiritual consolation; and they do say that's
what man can't get very easy here in
Maine-just about now"
That's very true; but your consolation
unfortunately, my friend, does not happen
to be of the right sort"
There was a cunning leer in the pedlar's
eye as he enquired-"FOnd OF the right sort
hey?"
when l can get it," said the clerk, be-
coming interested.
Guess | shall sell you this book, then,'
decidedly.
what is it-you havnt told me the name
of it yet"
"It's the Pilgrim Progress"
sob, bother! I've read it more than a
dozen times"
but this is a new edition."
"Oh--its all the same
beautifully engraved"
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES want it." And
so saying he commenced writing visibly an
annoyed.
Say -you-better look at the pictures, -
continued the pedlar, thrusting the book I'M
der his nose"
This movement had an astonishing effect
upon the clerk. He jumped off his chair
and began to examine the volume eagerly,
but much to my surprise, without opening
it. Then seemingly satisfied with the scru-
tiny, he asked the price and bought it
"Say, you, said the pedlar, after the bar
gain was concluded moving toward the
door, say, you if any body else should see
that book and want to get another just like
it, send EN- up 10 No. 70, and I'll accommo-
date 'ein just as about as quick as they
please"
And exchanging very queer and mys-
FERROUS look at the clerk, the pedlar van
ished.
what on earth made you buy that bOok?''
asked of the clerk, rs soon as he had gone.
"See here a moment"
! advanced and looked over his shoulder.
Turning zap one end of the book, he removed
small slide and discovered stopple which
he unscrewed, and then handed me the book
which applied mechanically to my mouth.
"What is it?'' he asked laughing.
"BRAsDY."
"By Jingo!" exclaimed I, pausing to take
breath, and then making tracks for the no
tel door.
"Hcllo, where are you going"
Sup stairs, it has just struck me that the
"Pilgrim's Progress will make an excel
lent addition to my library"
The next day. the pedlar's stock was ex-
hausted.