The Penn's Grove record., 1884-10-11

what seemed to him about th%ree-quar-
ters Of a mile, and seeing yet no signs
of that u]nreachable last counter. ."
I'm 20 on a little further; and then,
if | don't reach it, III hire a convey
ance to take me the rest of the way ="
In a few minutes, fortunately FOR his
strength and patience, which were
decidedly on thedeeline, he found him
self in front Of the desired place,
"Can / get some merinos?"h he asked.
Eyes, sir, plenty, as many as YOU
want y and the next moment a whole
pile came Tapping down on the coun-
ter, almost making Mr., Martin blind,
deaf and dumb with surprise aud be-
wllderment.
''Why.why my good fellow, l don't
want all thosel" he %stammered, as soon
as he could recover his breath. You
don't mean to make me purchase all
these, do your"
''Oh, no, STRIP was the assuring re-
ply, and he proceeded to open several
bundles for our hero's inspection.
These are only for you to select from.
Just look at this quality. sir 1t is ex-
%cellent; the finest in the market.
"Oh, yes, yes; l presume sol" re
piled Mr. Martin, nervously. "And
how much are you going to charge a
fellow for the privilege of carrying
away about a thimbleful with him2"
Two dollars a yard, sir. That's
the lowest figure We a put it at, " re-
piled the clerk.
1.-TWO dollars a yardl" groaned the
gentleman; land she wants fifteen
yards of i'll Good graciousI that would
swamp me e~ntiTelyi But now here's a
good opportunity for me to see if l
couldn't get something that would
answer just as well at half the price.
Hello, my fine feIlowl" he added, il a
louder tone, whats that piece of
goods, just above you there?"
"Flannel, sir" and the clerk handed
1t down.
And how much is 1t a yard2'' pur-
sued our hero,
"IT let you have that quality for
fifty cents, sir"
Mr.. Martin compared the tive.
This is every bit as good as the
stuff he calls merino," he said to him
self; ''It's just the same color, too, To
be sure it isn't quite as thick, but lean
get a little more, and she al make it
up double, and nobodyn know the diff
ference"
With this satisfactory conclusihn he
ordered the clerk to measure off twenty
yards of flannel, which Was accordingly
done.
This brilliant purchase will serve as
a sample for the rest, and suffice it to
say that about two O'Clock in the after
noon he arrived at home, flushed and
triumphant, bearing in his arms a per
feet mountain of packages.
"Well, my dear" said his wife, as
he deposited his bundles on the sofa
and threw himself painting and breath
less beside them; how did you succeed
in your expedition"
''Splendidlyp' replied u hero, with
sci dissatisfied air. 81 saved $40; and
that doesn't grow everywhere"
VERY true" responded his wife,
gravely; then holding out her hand
for the list she resumed. did you get
the merino; that is the first thing
"Well, no-not exactly" rejoined
Mr.. Martin, ~hesitating a little; but |
got something that answered just as
well a" and he unrolled his bundle of
Mrs. Martin made a spasmodic effort
TO keep her gravity, which resulted IN
signal failure, and she burst into a
hearty laugh.
"Why, my dearI [ don't understand
.hisl" began Mr.. Martin.
''The idea of purchasing flannel to
make dresses for children2" gasped
Mrs. Martin, Historically, "well, really
you have proved your efficiency in this
case, my dearl Did you bring the vel
vet for trimmings2"
mo, my dear, | considered that too
sinful an extravaganza" remarked her
husband; but l got this, however, at
. much lower price," and he unrolled
bundle, presenting to view
iome coarse worsted braid.
This set Mrs. Martin into cOnyul
lions a second time, and as soon as she
speak intelligently, she exclaimed
son, what a splendid n you are to
20 shopping; but l expected nothing
in spite of your confident as
.urance, sir. that you knew what was
yhatp And what in the world is thisI"
he continued, opening a huge bundle
# ~unbleaehed muslin.
why, you said you wanted some
to make the children party
l~resSes,' stammered Mr.. Martin, who
,egan to have a dawnlng perception