The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1857-02-26
From the N. Y. Spirit Of the Tines.l
How Jim DonneIIan Out-TTaded Un-
Gle Billy Snow.

Old Uncle Billy Snow was. and is til,
keenest trader in the country. He wal
never known to make a bad bargain -
Many trap has been laid TO catch him
but his operations always turned out sc
as to add something to his pile, and still
more to his reputation.
Sometime since, party Of young mer
talking of Uncle Billy's great luck in this
way, various instances were mentioned
of his extraordinary trades and his uni
form success. Jim Donnelan at length
offered to bet that he would catch him be.
fore two days. OF course that was taken
as soon as proposed, and soon after jim
left us to make his preparations to win.
The next day was court day, and Jim
and Mr.. Snow met at the court house.
GOOD morning, Uncle Billy" said
Jim; all we'll to-day"
Pretty well, l thank you, Jecmes, my
son."
"Any trading on hand this morning?'
inquired Donnellan.
Nothing in particular, Jeemes; times
is rather dull just now; people don't trade
as they used to do"
"That's fact, Uncle Billy" respon-
ded Jim. "Well, since nothing better
offers, spose you and l make trade"
"No objection in the world, Jeemes
Go ahead and let's hear from you"
"Well, Uncle Billy, l have mare yon-
der, that want to trade for that mule of
yours; how will you trade?"
Il don't know, exactly" responded
Mr. Snow, "but as mules are generally
considered worth more than horses, and
your mare is getting along in years, l
'spose ten dollars would mt be too much
would it? Give me ten dollars and your
mare, and you may take the mule"
"DoneT' exclaimed Jim. perfectly de-
lighted.
The money was paid over, and the crit
ters were handed over to their new mas.
ters. Jim took the mule home that night,
and the beast layed 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 con-
versation as follows:
Uncle Billy" says Jim, II think you
come the strong game over me, yesterday,
in that mule of yours, | don like it so
well this morning as l did yesterday-I
don't think he improves on acquaintance
what will you take to rue?' (swap
back)
"Now Jeemes, my son." answered I'm
Gle Billy, II don't want to be hard on
you, but you took me up on the first hop,
and you know trades trade. But if
you are anxious to rue, / don't care much
Give me ten dollars more and you may
have your mare back"
"Uncle Billy, I'll do i'll" exclaimed
Jim in great delight "But only on one
condiion-each man must come after and
take away his own beast l didn't bring
my mule along to-day, and l see you
didn't ride the mare, SO it is as long as it
is broad. III give ten dollars now, and
I'll go home with You first and get the
mare, and afterwards you can send, or
can come for the mule at any time"
Anyway, 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, giving his experience, as follows ::
"The old man and | went along very
cozily together, talking about everything
in the world except our trade. This
question lodged; l WAS afraid to open
my lips until l got my mare safe. AT
last we reached lAe old mans house. He
said to me, as ttered the yard
"Jeemes, my Son. there is your mare
you can take her away with you"
"And boys, if there warn't the old
mare lsyin' as dead as door nall Phe
internal cuss died the same night with.th
mule"