Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-03-23
THE LATEST DODGE.

Among the numerous expedients which have
been resOrted to in evsdiDg the Maine Liquor
Law, the following is the most ingenious
About fortnight since tall specimen Of
ankee manufacture arrived in the good
city Of Portland. in the State of Maine, and
established himself and luggage at the Elm
Hotel. This luggage consisted of n small valise
and large oblong box containing (for the ir-
spectors had examined its eOntents} a quantity
OF books richly bound, which the proprietor
had bought for the purpose of retailing about
the city. -
After seeing bis property placed in the room
allotted to him, the pedlar made his appear
ance In the office with small volume in his
hand. He glanced his keen, shrewd eve lei
surely around the room, which contained at
that moment no one but the clerk and myself
Fond OF reading 2? inquired the pedlar of
- Don't get any time to read replied the
clerk tartly. busying himself at the desk
e rather guess I've got book here you
like to read. continued the pedIar, persever-
ingly.
What is it,"
Well. it is a real good book. and Just right
for the times, too cause it'll give a man spirit
ual consolation; and they do say that's what a
man can get very easy In Maine-just about
now
=. Thst's very true; but your consolation
unfortunately, my friend, does not happen to
be cf the right sort. :"
There was q cunning leer in the pedlar eye
ss be inquired, Fond of the right sort, hey 81
When can get it, said the clerk be-
coming interested.
- Guess L shall sell you this book then" said
the pedlar, decidedly.
What is it You haven't told me the name
Of il vet
" It's the Pilgrim Progress"
oh, bother" I've read it dozen times. :"
= But this is an entirely new edition"
oh, it's all the same"
&" Beautifully engraved"
oh, nonsense II don't want it" And so
saying, he commenced writing again, visibIy
annoyed.
Say, you-better look at the pictures. +"
continued the pedlar, thrusting the book under
his very nose
This movement had an astonishing effect
upon the clerk. He jumped IF his chair and
began 10 examine the volume eagerly; but,
much to my surprise, without opening it,
Then. seemingly satisfied with the scrutiny, he
asked the price and purchased it.
Say, you, said the pedlar, after the bar
gain was concluded-mOving towards the door
say, you, if anybOdy else should see that book
and want to get another just like it, send 'em
up to No. IS; I'll accommodate 'em Just as
quick as they please"
And exchanging very queer and mysterious
look with the clerk, the pedlar vanished
- What on earth made you buy that book ~
asked of the clerk. as soon as he had gone
- See here n moment"
L advanced and looked over his shoulder
Turning up one end Of the book he removed a
small slide and discovered a stopple which he
unscrewed and then handed me the book, which
/ applied mechanically to my mouth
What is it ?" asked he, laughing
ByaHdy-by jingo," exclaimed I, pausing
TO take breath, and making tracks for the door
HallOa, where are you going?"
Up stairs; it has just struck me that tho
Pilgrims Progress will be an excellent addi-
tiOn to my library
The next day the pedlar's stock was ex-
hausted.