The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-07-03
THOSE VALUABLE EGGS.
By j. N. THOMAS.

B, the well-known musical and
comic genius, was once travelling in the
western part of Massachusetts,, giving en-
tertainments in the small towns scattered
here and there among the hills. One day
he fell in with one Alvin, an old friend,
who bore the reputation of being the
greatest wag in Berkshire county; and the
renewal of their friendship resulted in
the following amusing adventure:
1t was during the sssugar season" and
Alvin proposed, in order to while away
the long hours preceding an evenings
matinee, to take the artistic out among
some of his neighbors, and show him the
process of making maple sugar. B
at once accepted.
They wandered from orchard to or
chard, until, late in the afternoon, they
found themselves hungry as bears and
several miles from the hotel, when Alvin
proposed to stop at a farmhouse, and
procure lunch Of fresh eggs, which was
at once agreed to. A few steps brought
them to Mrs. Griswold's, where Alvin
was we'll acquainted.
They entered the kitchen, and the wag
bargained with the hostess for dozen
fresh eggs, at ten cents, (thisiwas before
the war; which were to be boiled in the
kettle of sap steaming in the huge fire.
place. Mrs. GrIswold's two daughters
(who had once been schoolmates of AL
wins) sat at their work in the farther cor
ner of the room; and our hero drew up
his chair near them, and commenced a
conversation on old times.
Mrs. Griswold was bustling, obsequi-
Gus old lady, but exceedingly miserly.--
Notwithstanding, she loved to make
show Of hospitality, especially to old
neighbors; so,when Alvin passed her the
ten cent piece in payment for the eggs,
she took it with feigned reluctance and
dropped it into her pocket, saying: 81
don't feel as | really ought to, and then
went flying about her work.
There being hole in her pocket, the
money soon found its way to the floor,
and rolled to the feet of Alwin,which was
noticed by the quick eyes oftthe girls
But the wag, with a wink towards the
corner, deliberately picked it up and ex-
claimed:
"Mrs. Griswold, I think Thave not
paid you enough for those eggs-it strikes
me that good, fresh eggs are worth about
ten cents more"
a0h, that was enough, Mr.. Alvin" re-
turned the old lady; but she took the
proffered coin and again returned it to
her pocket.
By this time the eggs were placed on
the table, with the necessary 'fxings,"
and the gentlemen invited to sit up and
help themselves.
Ere long the ten cent piece again reach
ed the floor, unperceived by the old lady,
and Alvin watched his opportunity to Sc
cure 1t.
"These eggs are Splendid exclaimed
the wag, swallowing half one at mouth
full
aDellcious, chimed in B.
81 think, Mrs. Griswold," added AL
win, with another wink to the girls and a
leer toward his companion, "that you
ought to have about ten cents more for
these eggs and your trouble" and he
again rendered the self-same cein.
sWhy, Mr. Alvin, you have more than
paid me Already but she inyoluntarily
held her hand for the money.
By this time the gentlemen had finish,
ed their repast, the migrating coin hac
again found its level on the floor, and the
wag slyly picked it up as he advanced tc
the door to depart. Pausing on the
threshold, he remarked:
'Mrs. Griswold, considering the excel
lence of those eggs, and the trouble WI
have put you to, think you ought to
have about ten cents more, and shall
pay you that amount
'sWhy, Mr.. Alvin, you are too kind,
replied the old lady, with surprise; bu
she was not in the least 10th to receive
the money.
81 B. had to retreat to the SHADOW
of the wood-shed, in order to save his but
tons; and Alvin managed to keep his fac
straight until he joined his companion
further the deponent saith not
sMr Alvin, you are too kind" serves
as a by-word for B and his frien,
long afterward.
4 ! n