Washington telegraph., 1853-02-23
The Latest Dodge.

Among the many expedents which have
been resorted to in evading the "Maine Ii
quor Law" the following is the most inge-
NOUS.
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. This luggage consisted Of a
small valise, and large, oblong box con
tanning (for the inspectors had examined its
contents) a quantity Of books, richly bound
which the proprietor had brought for the
purpose Of retailing about the city.
After seeing his property put in the room
allotted to him. the ped!er made bis appear
ance in the office, with a small volume in his
hand. He glanced his keen, shrewd eye
leisurely around the room, which contained
no one, at that moment but the clerk and
myself
Fond of reading?' inquired the pedlar
of the clerk, when he had finished his OBJ
servation,
Don't get any time to read" replied the
clerk, tartly, busying himself at the desk.
Il rather guess I've got a book here you'd
like to read.' continued the pedler, perse-
veringly.
What is it ?"
"Well it's real good book, and Just right
for the times, too, cause it'll give a man
spiritual consolation and they do say that 5
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 of the right sort"
There was cunning leer in the pedler's
eye as he inquired:
Fond of the right sort, hey?"
when can get it, said the clerk, be-
coming interested.
Guess shall sell you this book, them"
said the pedler, decidedly.
What is it, you haven't told me the
name of it yet?''
''Its the Pilgrims Progress"
ooh. bother. I've read it dozen times"
but this is an entirely new edition.
Beautifully engraved"
"Oh nonsense-T don't want it," And
50 saying be commenced writing again visi-
bly, annoyed.
"Say-you, better look at the pictures, ="
continued the pedler, thrusting the book un-
der his very nose.
This movement had an astonishing effect
upon the clerk. lie jumped off his chair
and began to examine the volume eagerly !;
but, much to my surprise, without opening
it then seemingly satisfied with the scruti-
ny, he asked the price, and purchased it.
Say you," said the pedler, 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. 73, and I'll ac-
commodate 'em just about as quick as they
please"
And exchanging very queer and mys-
terious look with the clerk the pedler van
ished.
'.What on earth made you buy tha. book?"
asked of the clerk as soon as tie pejler was
gone.
''See here, moment"
[ advanced and looked over his shoulder.
Turning up one end OF the book, lie removed
small slide. and discovered stopper,
which he unscrewed and then handed me
the book, which l applied mechanically to
my mouth.
''What is it ?" asked he, laughing.
"Branoly, by jingor' exclaimed I, paus-
ing to take breath, and making tracks for the
door.
Halo, where are you going ?"
'U p stairs; it has just struck me that
the Pilgrims Progress will be an excellent
addition to my library"
The next day the pedlers stock was ex-
hausted
INSANE THROUGH EXCESSIVE JoY.-A
writer describing the lunatic asylum at
Blackweil's Island saws