Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
The latest Dodge.


has afforded excellent food for the wits to
sharpen their masticators on. me loi'ow-
inc from the True Flag, is about as good
Joke as we have yet read. No doubt, how
ever, but that we shall have occasion to
Iauoh over many similar 'rum'; incidents
before we are many weeks older -
About fortnight since, tall specimen
of yankee manufacture" arrived in the
good city of Portland, in the State of Maine,
and established himself and luggage at the
Elm Hotel. His luggage consisted OF
small valise aud large oblong box, con,
tanning (for the inspectors had examined
its contents,) 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 peddler made MS
appearance in the Office with small vol
ume in his hand. He glanced his keen,
shrewd eye leisurely around the room,
which contained at that moment no one
but the clerk and myself.
Fond OF reading!" inquired the peddler
of the clerk, when he mad finished his OBJ
servation.
Don't get any time to read" replied
the clerk.
81 rather guess Pve got a book mere
you'd like to read, continued the the ped
dler perseveringly.
"What is it :"
"Well, it's real good book; and just
right for the times, too, cause it'll give
man spiritual consolation; and they do say
, that's what man can't ge! very easy In
, Maine--just about now"
, ''Thats very true; but your 'consola'
: tion,' unfortunately, my friend, does MOI
n happen to be of the right sort"
There was cunning leer in the ped
: dler's eye as he inquired
It "Fond Of the right sort, hey?"
It "When can get it," said the clerk, be
t, coming interested.
Il Guess shall sell you this book, then,
i said the peddler, decidedly.
"What is it-you hayn't told me thu
is name of it yet -
It cts Pilgrims Progress
$, ooh, bother! I've read it at least
: dozen times"
i 'But this is an entirely new edition.
q "Ohl it's all the same"
IS beautifully engraved"
ooh ! nonsense--I don't want it,"
And so saying,h commenced writing a
gain, visibly annoyed.
It "Say, you-bette look at the pictures,
y continued the peddler, thrusting the bool
y y under his nose.
" This movement had an astonishing effec
" upon the clerk. He jumped off his chat
and began to examine the volume eagerly
u but much 10 my surprise, without openin
= it. Then seemingly satisfied with the scru
U tiny he asked the price and purchased it.
"Say, you"-sald the peddler, after tn
l. bargain was notwithstanding toward
% the door-''Say, you'll anybody else shoul'
o see that book and want to get another jus
% like IL, send 'em up to No. 49, and I'll &C
10 commodate 'em just about as quick as the.
- please"
10 And exchanging very queer and mys
= terious look with the clerk, the peddle
vanished.
% "What on earth made you buy tina
IS book ?" asked of the clerk, as soon as h
o had gone.
e "See here, moment"
n ~ advanced and look over his shoulder
Tuning up one end of the book,he remov
ed small slide, and discovered SINAI
stopple, which he unscrewed, which | ap
piled mechanically to my mouth"
II "What is it - asked he laughing.
e "Brandy-by jingo!' exclaimed /, paus
e ing to take breath, and then making track
/ for the door.
d "Hollow! where are you going'"
;, "Up stairs it has just struck me tina
It the Pilgrims Progress will be an excellen
l. addition to my library"
a The next day the peddler's stock wa
y exhausted.