The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1882-08-12
How Arthur Sullivan Bought a Carpet

He bought carpet in Alexandria,
and the purchase took him three months.
One morning, so runs Dr. Sullivan's mar
rative, ne was passing by one of the
bazaars where tapestries and such things
are sold, when particularly handsome
and rich fabric caught his eye. He went
IN, and, after pretending to look over a
lot OF things which in reality he did not
want, be said to the man who solemnly
presided over the place "And what is
the price of that carpet?''
That" responded the dealer. ssis not
for sale. purchased that particular
carpet at great cost, to feast nv own
eyes upon. 1t is magnifcent-superb.
| could not part with that. No. by
Allahf' or words to that effect. "Will
the English gentleman have cup of
cotfee?' The English gentleman would.
he would also hare cigarette. After
that he went away. In day or two he
came around again, and once more made
the pretence of looking through Mac
dallah.s stock. He had obviously failed
to fool the sly Egyptian before as to the
article he really wanted, so he took more
time to it upon this occasion. As he ex-
pected, the sedate owner of the bazaar
finally approached him.
have concluded, after several Sleep
less nights, " said the merchant, ito part
with that carpet. It grieves me to do so,
for have become very fond of it. I had
hoped that it would be the light of my
eyes in my old age. But the Prophet has
counselled unselfshness among his peo-
pie and will sell to the English gentle
man"
Chow much?'
"One hundred pounds"
Nonsense. I'll give you f5"
The Egyptians dignity was obviously
wounded. An expression of absolute
pain crossed his face. But he forgave
DIR. Sullivan, and they had another cup
OF coffee and cigarette together. Then
DIR. Sullivan went away as before. In
week or SO he dropped around again.
After going through the regular business
OF looking over the stock, he was ap-
preached by Macdallah.
Il have concluded, after much
thought" said that worthy, 'sthat 1
asked you too much for the carpet the
other day. When Macdallah feels he is
IN the wrong, he is quick to acknowledge
it. The English gentleman can nave the
beautiful carpet for $780,"
Now you acknowledge your error"
replied Mr.. Sullivan. 81 will confess
that was wrong in offering you only 95
for your carpet the other day. did that
in joke, of course didn't mean it. Bless
you, no. And since you are prepared to
make concessions, will do the same
Instead of e5, will give you e6.
More coffee and another cigarette. The
next time DIR. Sullivan went around, the
merchant took off G5 more, and the pur-
chaser added FL. So it went on, with
haggling and coffee, until DR.. Sullivan
finally agreed to give g12, at which he
took away the carpet. 1t would have
cost about $3.50 in London. He says
that the kind of business mentioned is
considered the strictly proper thing in
Egypt and Turkey. But Americans, lie
adds. are spelling the trade in this di-
fection. While he was in Alexandria,
gentleman named Morgan, from New
York, came along and visited the bazar
of Macdallah. Three carpets struck his
fancy and he priced them.
"Three hundred pounds" said Mac
dellah.
"Well," replied Mr.. Morgan, s'that
seems fair price, and I'll take them.
Here's your money"
The next time DIR. Sullivan saw the
merchant he was tearing his hair with
rage against the dog of Christian" He
explained the matter in an injured tone
to the sympathizing Englishman, adding
that Mr.. Morgan's method was not
business. Z"