Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-12-06
Deceiylng the Old Man,

The Philadelphia Times says good deal
of amusement has been caused in dry goods
trade circles by the leaking out of a little
story at the expense of two young gentlemen
who are widely and fsvorably known in the
trade. The father of these young men is a
prominent Market street merchant, noted
for his large wealth, shrewd business ability,
and great economy, particularly in the mat
ter Of wearing apparel. The sons, who are
models of elegance and taste in dress, have
for long time borne particular sntipathy
to certain venerable coat which has chung
to their respected parent for many years,
and often tried by persuasion to induce him
to sell 1t to the rag man and buy new one,
but the old gentleman's invariable reply
was, " You poys Stipend money enough for
CLOTHES for one family. Dis goat is good
enough for me-" At length, knowing their
fathers fondness for bargain, they thought
of a ruse by which to induce him to lay off
the old garment and get new one. Taking
a coat which the father had worn, they went
to their tailor and instructed him to take it
as pattern as to size and fit, and make the
finest coat he could. I'VE will get father
down here on some pretence or other, and
then you must sell him that coat. No mat
ter what he offers, you take it and we'll pay
ceived word that the coat was finished
price, $50. The next morning at breakfast
the Oldest son casually remarked Father,
you will be going near the tailor's to-day,
and / wish you would stop and tell him to
be sure to send home my new coat to-day,
for have party to attend tonight"
every veil, my son, will do so, but
don't see vat you poys want mid SO many
goats
The old gentleman delivered his message,
and the tailor's opportunity had come. Fin
gering the venerable garment he remarked
persuasively :" You ought to have new coat.
1t is shame for rich man like you to
wear such au old garment as that"
"Tank you very much but dis goat is
goot enough for me-"
al have got something" persisted the
tailor, that believe will fit you, and it is
the greatest bargain that you ever heard Of.
| made it for customer, but it was mis-
| fit. The price of that coat" said the tailor,
producing the garment" is $50, but it won't
| fit the man l made it for, and I'll let you
have it for next to nothing. Try it on"
The coat was tried on and proved per.
feet fit.
"You'll never get such bargain again
| if you live hundred years." said the tailor
"You may have that coat for S40."
"Tll Gift you $685. said the old merchant,
who knew good cloth when he saw it.
"Take it."
Carrying the old coat in bundle, the pur.
| chaser went out arrayed in the $50 coat.
At supper that night he appeared in the
| familiar old coat and in excellent good
humor. To his sons he said, / made nice
little ting to-day. Ven vas at the tailor's
| bought goat-a nice fine goat. The
price was $50, but got it for 1926. put
it on, and had not gone square before
met vriend. He noticed my new goat
and shpoke about it, and told him how
l got it SO sheap. He offered me $50 for
the goat, and | took it-made So in fife
| minutes
"Yes," said the sons, doefully, in chorus,
"you have made five dollars, and we have
lost ffty-fve." Then they explained. "My
| gracious that is pad" said the old man
when he comprehended the situation but
let dis be lesson to you, my shildren
Never try to deceive your fader."