The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1854-12-30

hown forth in the tuks and pots aforesaid.
The ''Knickerbockcr" appeared, and I felt
lappy to see that, while it spoke of the ASST
luity in business manifested bv the new pro-
'rietor Of the Museum, and prognostication
hat he would soon render his establishment
highly popular, the editor had kindly refrain
ii from making anv alluSion to "The Cataract
If Niagara with real water"
Some months subsequent to this, Mr. Clark
anne into The Museum almost out of breath,
md with much carnestncss salutcd mo thus
Friend Barnum, | have come in to ask if
YOU have got the club in the Museum that
Captain Cook was killed with :"
Remembering that had large lot of In
dian war-cluhs among the collection of abo-
rcinal curiosities, and feeling that | owed
Clark joke for his Niagara Falls catch, I
instantly replied that | was the owner of the
club in question.
"Wcll. declare, | am very glad to hear
it," said ne: 'for do YOU know that for long
time have had singular and irreprcs>iblc
desire to desire to see that club"
"Wait here a few moments. and will show
it TO vou.' replied
Passing up stairs commenced ovcrhanlinc
a lot Of war-clul>. and finally select hca-
w one that looked as if it miqM have killed
Captain Cook. or anvtolv else whose head it
cane in contact with. Having affixed small
label on it. reading ''Thc Capt. Cook Club, "
took it down to Mr.. Clark. assuring him
that this was the instrument Of death which
he had inquired fo~.
"IS it possible" said he. as he took it in
his hand. Presently raising it above his
head. he exclaimed. "WcN. I declare. tins Is
a terrible weapon with which to take a man :.
life"
"YcS." replied >crio,>iv. bat feeling Ar
inward d"lirht that was now paving off Mr.
Clark with interest. ~ believe it killed the
victim with the first blow"
"Poor Captain Cook :" exclaimed Clark
with \ Srh II wonder if he was consciou.
after having received the fatal blow"
IL don't think he could have bccn."I rc
sronded. with well fcncd look of sorrow
sYou are sure this is the identical club,
inquired Clark.
I'VE have documents which place its iicn
tty hcyon.i all question:" I replied
''Poor Cook poor Cook '" said Clark, mu
sing.v. "Wcll. Barnum." he continued will
great gravity, at the same time extending hi
hand and giving mine hearty shake. II an
really much obliged TO Won for vour kindness
had an rrcprc>>illc desire to see the clnl
that Killed Captain Cook. and felt qui.,
confident YOU could accommodate me. hav,
been in half a dozen smaller museums. an,
as they all had it. I was sure larrc cstal
li>hmcnt like YOURS would not be without it +,
NV l1urcl> were fast withcrinc. and fcl
that unless | kept my wits about me an
managed to pay Clark at least an in>tallmcr
on what owed him. should be the laurhin
stock of all his ac,Inaintanrcs \ week q
two afterwards. therefore, | wrote him a not
saving that | desired to consult with him fn
few moments at nv Office, on a subject o
serious Importance to me- lie came immcd
atrlv
Now" said I, 81 do not want anv of YOU
nonsense. but want your sober advice"
"My dear Barnum." he replied in the fu
ness of his truly generous heart, 'nothin
will give me greater pleasure than to scry
YOU in any way in my power"
proceeded to inform him that ccntlcma
who had visited Egypt, had brought from III
river Nile most remarkable living fish, ,whic
he offered to hire for exhibition The fish,
told him, was of peculiar formation. and th
the owner Of it would place 5000 in II
, hands of a responsible banker, to be for.ci
ed, if the fish dld not within six weeks pa
through a transformation by which its ia
; would disappear, and it would then ha,
, legs.
, as it possible :" exclaimed Clark, in gre
astonshmcnt.
. assured him that there was no mistal
about it, "But," said |, his price is high
and want to ask your opinion in regard
its success lie asks 500 per week for Il
, use of it."
ut is cheap enough, my dear fellow.
will draw YOU more than that sum extra p
, dav. Why. the whole thing is Incredible
: 1t will startle the naturaists-wake up Il
whole scientific world-and draw in the ma
scs."
"Do you really think 500" | asked.
Upon my honor, am sure of it," respo
ded Clark with much enthusiasm. snake
engagement for SIX months, or for year,
possiblc, then come out and state the facts r
cardinc this wonderful transformation a
, nounclnc that $4,000 have been deposited
{ responsible hands which will be forfeited
o the moor of this city if it does not take pa
as described, and my word for it your Mus
i. um will not be large enough to contain vo
f visitors, | declare believe you will maj
e $4,000 by the operation.
q thanked Mr. Clark very warmly for
Kind counsel. and assured him that shou
: not fail to take his advice.
o "In fact" said |, IL thought we'll Of the spe
: ulation, excepting that I did not like the mar
Of the fish. think that is an objection.
"Tush, tush, not at all; what's in ramt
! Nothing. That makes no difference whase
i or What IS the name of the fish ::