Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-03-23
AHArTER IN SEARCH OF RUSSIA FUR.

Ing "beaver" and Hconey- lie wanted some |
"Russia.'' 1 told him We had none, but Mrs. |
Wheeler, where l boarded, had several hun |
dred pounds.
aWhat on earth is woman doing with Rrs-
sia 7'' he said.
could not answer, but assured him that
there were $50 pounds of old Rushia and $50
pounds of young Rushia in Mrs. Wheeler's
house, and under her charge, but whether it
was for sale 1 could not say.
OFF he started with view to make the pur-
chase. He knocked at the door. Mrs. hee-
Ter the elder, made her appearance.
81 want to get your Russia said the hat
ter, smiling.
Mrs. Wheeler asked him to walk in and be
seated. She ,of course, supposed he had come
after her daughter ''RushIa."
oWhat do you want of Rushia 7'' asked the
old lady.
$40 make hats was the reply.
'To trim hats, 1 suppose you rnean," res
ponded Mrs. Wheeler.
"No-for the outside OF hats" replied the
halter.
"well, 1 don't know much about hats, but l
will call my daughter said the old lady.
Passing into another room where 'sRushia,'
the younger, at work, she informed her
that man wanted her to make hats.
go, he means sister Mary probably, sup
pose he want. some ladies hats" replied Ru-
shia, as she passediinto the parlor.
81 suppose you wish to see my sister Ma
~; she is our miiliner,'' said the younger
Rushia.
"I wish to see whoever owns the property
said the halter.
Sister Mary was sent for and soon made her
appearance. As soon as she was introduced,
the halter informed her that he wished to buy
"Russia."
'sBuy Rushia % exclaimed Mary, in surprise.
81 don't understand you.''
"Your name is Miss Wheeler, l believe -
said the halter, who was annoyed at the diff
Guilty he met with in being understood.
'sIt is, sir.'
Russia in the house."
81 believe there isl said Mary, surprised at
the familiar manner in which he spoke of her
mother and sister, both Of whom were present.
"What is the price of old Russia per pound
asked the halter.
81 believe, sir, that the old Rushia is OF
for SALE replied Mary Indignantly.
swell, what do you ask for young Russia 7''
pursued the halter.
s.Sir,'' said Miss Rushia, the younger,
springing to her feet, ssdo you come here to
insult defenceless females? If you do we will
soon call our brother, who is in the garden,
and he will punish you as you deserve"
"Ladies,' exclaimed the halter, in aston
ishment, sswhat on earth have done to offend
your / came here on business matter. l
want to buy some Russia. was told You had
old and young Russia in the house. Indeed,
this young lady just stated such to be the fact,
but she says the old Russia is not for sale.
Now, if 1 can buy the young Russia l want to
do so-but if that can't be done, please say so,
and will trouble you no further.''
"Mother open the door, and let the gentle
man pass out; he is undoubtedly crazy said
Miss Mary.
sBy thunder / believe l shall be if 1 re-
main here long, exclaimed the halter, con-
siderably excited. ssI wonder if folks never
do business in these parts, that You think
man is crazy if he attempts such thing %
ssBusiness poor man, said Mary, sooth-
ingly, approaching the door.
81 am not poor man, Madam - replied the
halter ''My name is Walter Dibble; carry
on hating extensively in Danbury came to
Grassy Plains 10 buy fur. and have purchased
some beaver and sconey,' and now il seems
am to be called 'crazy' and spoor man, he
cause I want TO buy little Russia to make
up an assortment"
o. The ladies began to open their eyes a little
They saw that Mr.. Dibble quite in earnest,
and his explanation threw considerable light
on the subject.
ssWho sent you here 2" asked sister Mary.
'fThe clerk at the store opposite" was the
reply.
'sHe is wicked young fellow for making
this trouble" said the old lady. ''He has been
doing this tor joke,'' she continued.
ga jokei'' exclaimed Dibble, in surprise.
s'Have you not got any Russia then ?'
'tMy name is Jerushia, and so is my daugh-
ters," said Mrs. Wheeler, sand that l sup
pose is what he meant by telling you about
old and young Rushia''
Mr. Dlbble bOlted through the door without
word OF explanation, and made directly for
our store ''You young scamp ,'s said he, as
he entered, 'swhat do you mean by sending
me over there to buy Russia pr
s'l did not send you TO buy Rushia SUD-
posed you were either bachelor or a widow
er; and wanted to marry Rushia' / replied
with serious countenance.
ssYou lie, YOU dog, and you know it,'' he
replied; ssbut never mind, I'll pay you off for
that some day. And taking his furs he de-
parted, less ill-bumored than could have been
expected under the circumstances.