Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1857-05-02
How Jim D0nnellan Out-traded Uncle
Billy Snow.

HOW jim DOnncitdh
Billy Snow.
Old Uncle Billy Snow was and is now
the keenest trader in the country. He
was never known to make a bad bargain
--many a trap had been laid TO catch him.
bu, his operations always turned out SO SO
as TO add something TO his pile, and stlli
more to his reputation. Some time since
party of young men, talking of Uncle Bill
Ily's great luck in this way, various IN
stances were mentioned of his extraordl-
nary trades and his uniform success. Jim
Donnellan a. length offered TO bet that ne
would catch him before two days. VI
course that was taken as soon as propo-
sed, and soon after jim left them TO make
this preparation 10 win. The next day
was court day. and Jim and MIR. Snow
met at the court house.
Good morning Uncle Billy said Jim;
'all well o-day 2
Pretty well, thank you, Jeemes, my
son.
ANY trading on hand this morning!'
inquired Donnellan.
Nothing in particular, Jeemes, times
rather dull just now; people don'i trade as
they used TO do
That's fact, Uncle Billy responded
Jim. We'll, since nothing better offers,
spose, you and make trade
No objection in the world, Jeemes. Go
ahead and let's hear from you
We'll Uncle Billy, have mare yon'
der that want 10 trade for that mule ol
yours. how will you trade I!
Il don't know exactly responded Mr.
Snow: but as mules are generally consid'
cred worth more than horses and as your
mare is getting more in years, Ispose Ten
dollars wouldn't be too much, would II I!
Give me ten dollars and your mare, and
you take the mule
Done !! exclaimed Jim, perfectly de-
lighted.
The money was paid over and the crit
ters were handed over to the 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 10 save HIM
self. The next morning found him and
Snow at the same place, and in conversa-
ton as follows:
Uncle Billy says Jim. Il 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;
| don't think he improves on acquan-
lance; what'll you take 10 rue 2 (swap
back.)
'Now, Jeemes, my son, answered Un-
Gle Billy, i don't want TO be hard OH
you, but you took me up on the first hop,
and you know trades a trade. But il
you are anxious TO rue, don care much.
Give me ten dollars more and you may
have your mare back
Uncle Billy, I'll do il ! exclaimed Jim
in great delight. Blu. on one condition
leach man must come after and take
away his own beast | didn't ride my
mule along to-day, and see you didn't
ride the mare, so il is long as il is broad
I'll 60 home with you first and get the
mare. and afterward 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 giving his experiences as fol-
lows:
The old man and ! went along very
costly together, talking of everything in
the world except our trade. This ques.
ton lodged. ] was afraid 10 open my
lips until got my mare safe. At last
we reached the old fellows house. He
said to me, az we entered the yard;
'Jeemes, my son, there's your mare; you
can take her away with YOU And boys,
if there want the ole mare living in the
yard as dead as door nail. The internal
euss died the same night with the mule.