Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1857-01-21
How jim Donnellan Out traded TUncle Bill
Snow

Old Uncle Bill Snow was, and is the keen
est trader in the country. He was never
known to make bad bargain. Many a trap
has been laid to catch him, but his operations
always turned out so as to add something to
his pile, and still moro to his reputation.
Some time since party of young men talk
ing of Uncle Billy's great luck in this way,
various instances were mentioned of his extra
ordinary trades, and his uniform success
Jim Donnellan at length offered to bet that
he would catch him before two days. Of
course that was taken as soon as proposed,
and soon after Jim left us to make his prepa-
rations to win
The next day was court day, and jim: and
Mr.. Snow met at the Court House.
Good morning, Uncle Billy" said Jim !;
q" all well to-day %
Pretty well, thank you Jeemes, my
son."
Any trading on hand this morning ?" en-
quired Donnellan
Nothing in particular, Jecmes times is
rather dull just now; people don't trade as
they used to do "
That's a fact. Uncle Billy" responded
Jim g. Well. since nothing better offers,
spose you and make trade"
No objection in the world, Jcemes Go
ahead and lets hear from you.
Well, Uncle Billy, 1 have a mare yon-
der, that | want to trade for that mnle of
yours, how will you trade
e don't Know exactly" responded Mr..
Snow, &c but as mules are generally consider
ed worth more than horses. and your mare is
getting along in years, [ s'pose ten dollars
wouldn't be too much, would it =? Give me
ten dollars and your mare, and you may take
the mule
''Done p exclaimed jim, perfectly deligh-
ted
The money was paid over, and the critters
were handed over, to their new masters
Jim took the mule home and that night the
beast lay down and died. This was sore
blow to our hero, but he had one more day
left, and determined to save himself. The
next morning found him and Snow at the same
place and in conversation as follows
'' Uncle Billy" says Jim, 90 think you
come the strong game over me, yesterday, in
that mule of yours, | don't like him so much
this morning as [ did yesterday-I don't
think he improves on acquaintance-what'n
you take to rue ?"-(swap back.)
:" Now, Jeemes, my son, answered I'm
Gle Billy. So don't want TO be hard on you,
but you took me up on the first hop, and you
know a trades trade. But ifyou are anx-
ious to rue, don't care much Give me ten
dollars more and you may have your mare
back
Uncle Billy, I'll do it - exclaimed Jim
in great delight. But only on one condi
tion--each man must come after and take
away his own beast l didn't bring my mule
along to-day, and I see you didn't ride the
mare, So it is as long as it is broad I'll give
ten dollars now, and I'll 60 home with you
first and get the mare, and afterwards you
can send, or can come for the mule at any
time"
ANY way, .Jeemes," replied Mr. Snow.
The money was paid, and Jim and the old
man started The next day when the crowd
had met to decide the bet, Jim was there Civ
ing his experience as follows:
9. The old man and | went along very cosi-
ly together, talking about everything in the
world except our trade. This question |
lodged l was afraid to open my lips until
got my mare safe. At last we reached the
old fellows house He said to me, as VIC en-
tered the yard
"Jeemes my son. there is your marc
you can take her away with you"
And, boys, if there want the old mare
layin' in the yard, as dead as n door nail
The internal cuss died the same might nth
the mule t'-N. Y. Spirit Of the Times.