The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-12-03
How 1 was Sold.


think she was one of the prettiest women
l had ever seen. And dressed in such adj
mirable taste, with such eyes and such
complexion, and the tip of the bronzed
boots was tiny and delicate enough for
Cupid himself if he should ever be CONVEX
ted to decent apparel.
was on the Sacramento boat, an un-
protected bachelor and often given to the
indulgence of soft dreams about the future
partner in house and lot of my own and
moderate salary.
The lady who brushed against me with
that silvery "Excuse me, SIR" took seat
in the end of the long cabin, and somehow
or other l found myself after the boat
started unconsciously drifting in the same
direction. She was immersed in the pages
ofa Godey's Lady's Book, and glanced
at delicious white hand from which the
lavendar glove had been half withdrawn.
Presently man-monster approached and
seated himself by the side of the object of
my observations, with familiarity which
foolishly enough displeased me.
"We will stay only one night in Sacra-
mento," he remarked, consulting a small
time table which he took from his pocket.
"And them
proceed Immediately to our final des-
tination."
This was not very satisfactory to me and
l became more interested than ever in the
young people. The mans complexion was
dark and slightly pock marked, the lady's
was fair. He could hardly be her brother
perhaps husband or lover, or something
of that sort.
"Pll trouble you for a match, sir.'
Here was chance to open converse
ton, and as handed the dark man match
l remarked that, 81 thought l would walk
outside and take smoke myself"
Strange weather for July" said the
dark man, putting his cigar whilst gazing
meditatively at Alcatraz Island, which we
were just passing.
Remarkable" / rejoined, and then we
glided into various topics, and in the
course of our conversation, exchanged
invitations, and became quite intimate be-
fore we came abreast of Red Rock.
"My sister (ah she was sister only
and myself" said the dark man, "are
about to spend month at White Sulpher
Springs before our return east. Are you
bound in that direction
eyes, go to Sacramento"
After we leave the Springs we will spend
one day in the city. Let me give you an
introduction to my sister. Mary, this is
Mr.. Peagreen, of San Francisco, travelling
our way. isia
bowed low and chuckled inwardly at
the success of my stratagem. found the
lady to be extre mely agreeable, and we
chatted costly together for an hour or 50,
while the dark man paced up and down
on the deck outside. She told me that her
father was New York merchant, and that
her brother and herself were finishing a
tour of the Pacific States. The bell rung
for dinner, and the dark man entered the
saloon, and together we proceeded to the
dining room. My fair companion had an
excellent appetite. Her onslaught on the
vegetables was actually fearful.
Having concluded our meal, we passed
the colored steward. The dark man asked
the waiter for change for a twenty dollar
greenback. To avoid the delay of making
up the discount, put a couple of dollars in
his hand. My companion thanked me and
said he would refund the money as soon as
he got the change.
'Can you oblige me-" he said when we
sat again in the saloon, "by giving me
gold for some of these greenbacks, say
forty dollars-to meet the days wants OF
our journey?'
Certainly" answered, and handed
him the amount, while he calculated the
difference on the back of card. hf
Stufiing the greenbacks, which were
crisp and new, into my vest-pocket,
again engaged in conversation with the
fair Mary. @1or.t fo H8fs
When we arrived at Vallejo we lost sight
Of the dark man for few moments while
stood by his sister gallantly holding hel
satchel.g Suddenly he rushed up TO us
saying in a hurried manner: ag
4 "Mary must return to San Francis
co by this boat. What's to be done?
have had q dispatch which is imperative
d " But our uncle will expect us this eve
ningS' lsaa. +. .,p,.-a e,san
|. b., "still you cannot go alone to th'
r Springs" a o.4 a. slha safd,fr
a. h" II you viii allow me to- be the LADY,