Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-07-17

dom and my fortune with it 2 cried
the banker, eagerly. Are YOU really
in ~earnest2"
Il was never more so in my life,
laughed the count. For this once |
will ~transgress our old family law, but
only on one condition.
Name it," cried the banker,
eagerly.
"You are to bring me the oysters
this very day, and not order them from
Riga"
"Do you pledge me your word Of
honor?"
Yes. my solemn word of honor -
replied the count, still laughing at the
bankers absurd idea of finding oysters
in ST. Petersburg where his servants
had for the last twenty-four hours
Been seeking them in vain.
/" take you for my witnesses, gem
slemen," said the banker, fastening Ia
leave before the count had time to
repent of his promise.
20. yes, we III your witnesses but
hurry and bring us your oysters
cried the merry guests, laughing as
they foresaw the bankers discom-
future,
"They shall soon be forthcoming,
gentlemen" he answered, as he
fastened away.
Upon the bankers visit at st.
Petersburg, he always lodged at the
counts own hotel with his chief
lntendant. He had not far to go, and
IN a few moments, when the guests
were making themselves merry over
his illusion. the door opened and he
entered rolling a key of oysters. The
count looked blank, but the guests
began to clamor for the oysters.
Hold! = cried the banker, Il dc
not doubt your honor's word, but
am a man of business, and | prefer Ia
have the agreement made in writing
| may die Of JOY, your honor may die
of ! chagrin, before the promise is
caTFied out, Give me the writing
and | will deliver you the oysters,
SO saying, he opened the key, dis
playing the largest and finest Hoisteir
biyalves imaginable.
THE banker is right, count ex,
claimed the guests; but end this
business quick, for we are suffering
the horrors of Tantahus. Order pen
ink and paper"
20, | will save you that trouble.
said the banker, and taking a piece d
white chalk from his pocket he wroti
che following agreement on the stayt
iOf the oyster keg
Il, the undersigned, in cousidera.
itiOn of a stated recompense, hereby
declare my serf, NJ. n, and his family
residents of Rigra, free hencefortl
and forever. Sigued ia the presenc,
of the following witnesses-
Now" he added, presenting tn,
chalk and stave to the count, YOU.
honor and these gentlemen will do IN,
the favor TO sign this document, while
II, for the last time, discharging NJ.
office as serf, proceed to open The
oysters"
The count put a good face on a baC
matter he signed, and the guest
followed him. Then all the gentlemen
shook hands with the banker anC
congratulated him on his good fortune
But the count would not allow hi
former serf to play the role Of servant
he compelled him to take a seat at TIL
table. The decanters were filled witt
champagne, and after they had al
drunk to the health of the now fire.,
E%citrzen, the gentlemen turned Will
great zest to the oysters, which wer.
Ilsoon finished.
The writer Of this sketch has him
self e e the original decree 0
emancipation written with chalk O
1.-THE oaken stave: inclosed il a golde.
frame it occupies the place Of homo
ameng the many fine pictures in tn
bankers drawing-room. There it wi
always hang, reminding the wealth
and honorable family of those old day
of serfdom, which, God be praised
are now over.