The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1852-05-13
THE LATEST DODGE.
By 4EornYTE.


By HEoTnYTE.
Among the numerous expedienis shci
have been resoried 10 ia evading th,
sMaine Liquor Law think the following
is the mos, ingenious:
About fortnight since, tall specimen
OF Yankee manufacture, arrived N the
good city Of Portland in the State Of Maine
aud established himself and luggage at tht
Elm Hotel This luggage consisted Of ,
email vaiisc, and large oblong box con
tanning tor the inspectors had examined
its conien,s) n quantity Of books richly
bound, which the proprietor had boagh, ios
iha purpose Of retailing aboa, the city.
Alter seeing bis property placed IN the
room allotted 10 him, The pcdlar made hls
appearance in The office with SINAI! vol
ume in his hand. lie glanced his keen
shrewd eye leisurcls around the room
which contained at that mutneat no ont
but the clerk aud myself.
Fond Of readingg inquired the pedla
Of the clerk, when be had finished his OBJ
seryaiion.
sDonh get any limo TO read replied ,ht
clerk, shortly, bnsying himself at the desk
.lrather guess I've got book here YOU'D
like 10 read continued The pedar, perse
veringly.
what is i?'
well, i,'s real good book; and just
right for the times, TOO. cause I'LL give a
man spiritual consolation; and they do say
that's what man can't get very easy IN
Maine-i1isf Ahouf now
That's very true hu, yonr consolation,
unfortunately, my friend does not happen
TO be Of the right Sort
There was cunning leer in the pedlsr's
eye as he inquired: Pond OF The right
sort. hey?'
when can get it, said The clerk, be-
coming interested.
Guess shall sell YOU this book. then,
said ihe pedsr, decidedly.
What is it-yoa hasen't told me the
name Of il se,?'
sIt's the Pilgrims Progress
ooh, bother! I've read il . dozeniim
But this is an entirely new edition.
sOh! lis all the same
Beautifully engraved
oh nonsense-l don, want it, And
so saying be commenced writing again,
visibly annoyed.'
Say, you-be,ter look at the picters.'
continued The pedlar, ihrusliug the book
under bis very nose.
This movement had an astonishing ei
feet upon the clerk. lie jumped oft bis
chair and began 10 examine The volume
esgerly; but much 10 nv surprise. without
opening it, Then seemingly satisfied with
the scrutiny, be asked The price and pnr-
chased ii.
Say, yoa-said the pediar. afler the 4
bargain was concluded, moving towards
the door--ssy, you, II any body else should
see that book and want 10 get another Just
LIKE 1T. send 'em up to number -, and
l'lll accommodate EN- just abou, quick
as they please
And exchanging very queer and mEs-
FERROUS look al the clerk, the pedar vanish
ed.
what on earth made you buy thai bopk!'
asked | of the clerk, as soon as he had
gone.
See here, moment
advanced and looked over his shoulder
Turning up one end Of the book, he remos-
ed small slide, and discovered stopple,
which be unscrewed, and then handed me
the book, which ! applied mechanically T.
my mouth.
sWhat is it, asked be, langhing.
Brandy. by the L1rdr exclaimed |,
pausng 10 take breath; and then making
tracks for the door.
Hello! where are YOU going?'
Sup stairs, il has Just struck me ,ha, The
Pilgrims Progress will be an excellent
addition TO my library
The next day The pedlar's stock was eg-
hausted