Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1877-02-03
Playing for Even.

weeks ago, ana a1ter SalllDS 0Dou
the bay, exploring the Straits of Car
quinez, capturing the adolescent sal
mon, and bringing down the gaad..
wild duck, he resolved to sell hi
boat. Accordingly one of the crew
q 1.-the bland Britisher, was instructed
to keep the "beach Of his weather ey'
lifted" for q customer. On making
some inquiries, he was recommended
to apply to q firm whose place o
business is on California, not far from
Front street. This firm being en-
gage d in the Oregon salmon fisheries
had use of precisely the same de
scription of craft as the Britisher hai
for sale. The latter. on asking fol
the head of the firm, was directed te
a tall-looking old gentleman with {
lofty collar.
II understand, sir, that you art
desirous of purchasing email boat
for your Oregon salmon fisheries, >
began the Britisher. .blandly.
"Not that I am aware of, sir" was
the stern reply.
"Thank you," said the boatman,
politely preparing to withdraw.
You needn't thank me, sir, said
the gentleman.
"I'm obliged to you," said the
Britisher, bowing as he retired.
Needn't he obliged to me" re-
piled the gentleman severely.
At this the Britisher bosom fred,
and the boat man remarked with
some heat, "Go to the ID; can't a
man get civil answer for civil lques-
ton.
At this terrible profanity q lean and
lusubrious clerk, with q faint "Ohp
upset his ink-bottle over the CASH
book, and when the irate Briton left
the Office, the merchant was making a
memorandum of a deduction from
the clerks salary for the cost of the
book.
The Briton, fuming and chafing,
joined his companions, who were in a
neighboring saloon awaiting the re-
suit of the interview.
He has insulted me-" said the
Briton; "the surly old dog knows less
about politeness than one OF his own
dried salmon"
"Avast there, said an ex-member
of the crew; "we'll get even with
him. Just give me the helm, and
if don't bring him oil shaking up
into the wind'seye, may I never break
biscuit or taste pea-soup more"
An hour afterward o we'll dressed
and gentlemanly- y-looking individual
entered the Office of the Oregon fish
cry.
Is the head of the firm disen-
eaged?" heinquired of the lean clerk.
Yes, sir. Walk in and take a
seat" And the visitor timidly avail
ed himself of an office stool.
Dombey entered, and, impressed
with the strangers appearance, said
politely:
"How can he of service to you,
sir?'
The stranger smiled, and brushing
some speoks Of dust from his hatwith
o perfumed handkerchief said:
81 understand sir, that you are
desirous of purchasing small boat
for your Oregon salmon fisheries.
Allow me to state that 1 have just the
craft you need at present lying at
North Point Dock.
The old gentleman's face grew pur-
pie, and the lean clerk shook like an
aspen leaf!
"Go," he muttered; ego before ]
do you an injury"
"Strange, very strange, said the
visitor, musingly, but without dis
playing any surprise. Losses in
the bonanzas. probably; too much
for him." eta, ta," he added pleas
antly, as he departed.
The old gentleman resumed biz
writing and business went along
smoothly in that Office for an hour OF
so, until q stout gentleman rushed
hurriedly in and said he had busines;
Of importance with the head of the
firm, that individual bowed and sur
veyed his visitor closely.
Excuse me, sir; but my business
is strictly of private nature. CAM
I see you alone for ten minutes o.
80 ?"
Certainly" was the reply, ani
the merchant led the way to his pri
vate Office. The stranger drew 10
of papers from his pocket, selected
one and said:
"You are engaged in Oregon sal
mon fisheries ?"
/" Yes, SIR"
The stranger referred to his pape
and read in low tone: " Length, q
feet; breadth Of beam, 8 feet; keel
oh. yea; hum-I understand, sir. tha
you are dssirous Of purchasing
small"
He never finished the sentence, 70
the frantic merchant flung q larg
inksta. I'd at his visitors head, an
with q howl Of indignant passion
went for him with > heavy ruler. Bu