The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-01-03
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Iprales rr.ve,ers, Maga.lne.l

New foYk.
 He had read the papers, vas aware of the games ot confidence men, and was convinced that no swindler could trick him, alth ough he walked the streets with the air of an agricultuTist, Consequently he was equal to the oc- casion when a spruce young man ac- costed him smilingly, and with out stretched hand, addressed him as Mir, Beers.
 He knew the game perfectly we'll, but thought he might as well humor the rascal, and see what would become of II.
 My name is not Beers" said he. T am Captain Isaiah Decker, of Pratts- vile"
 The young man begged his pardon and passed on.
 Captain Decker began to look for his confederate. and had gone but a. few blocks further when he was met by q long and lank individual, dressed in solemn black.
 Good morning, Captain Decker" l" said this person. "l am surprised to meet you in New York" "You have the advantage of me, sir resumed the gentleman from Pra,tsville "I can't say that know you"
 "You don't know mel Why, know yoa well by sight, and everybody in Saline county knows you by reputation, l am deacon Ephra,m Lambswoel, of Mason. How are my old friends the Carberry's fiourishing, and the Smiths, and the Plnkeys? l am particularly anxious to know how John HeAduf is getting on with his new store"
 Captain Decker though, that the man, though he might be swindler, must surely have lived ip Saline county, and that there could be no harm in talking to him.
 "The folks are getting on as usual" he answered, "and Headuf is doing we'll with his new store. How long have you been in New York. Mir. Lambswool p
 About eight months l came down from Mason on visit, and happened 10 strike good thing inthe tea line"
 "Oh," thought the captain. "This Is the old dodge. But am not to he caught by it."
 "A friend of mine," continued the deacon, had bought cargo of tea at a very low figure. As he could not attend to it, he employed me and another man 10 sell 1t for him. and it has been a bonanza to us. John Headuf has had several chests of that tea from me, and I don't doubt that he has sold 1t to you al dollar pound if you trade with hin" '"
 "That IS what have been payiug,' remarked Captain Decker.
 "Between you and me, captain, put that tea to him at twenty-five cents, and perhaps you had better get 1t at first hand. If you care to see some samples, l will show them to you, as they are not far trom hcre."
 Captain Decker, sure that nobody could play swindle on him. was naturally in- clined to lay in stock of the Headuf tea so cheaply.
 He accompanied Deacon Lambswool to Canal street, and followed him into a little back-room, where there were sev- eral packages of tea on table.
 He selected the sample that suited him, and ordered chest of it to be sent to Pfattsville, to be paid for on arrival. This business was so fair and satisfac- was any sort of swindle under the transaction.
 Just then a boy came in with two let ters, which he handed to Deacon Lambs wool
 "Dear me Y exclaimed the deacon, as he read one of the letters. This IS a sad case"
 He handed the letter to Captain Decker, Who read it with interest. 1t purpoTted to be from 8 woman in Jersey City, giving information of her husbands s sudden death, and pathetioally describing her Restitution. She inclosed a printed ticket, emitting the holder to whatever its number might draw in the Distribution of Prizes for the Central Methodist Fair," and requested Deacon Lambswool to call at the office of the sec retary and ascertain whether the ticket was worth anything.
 "This looks like a lottery" remarked Captain Decker, as his suspicion rose again.
 "That is not the name it goes by," re- piled the deacon. "Our churches now a-days have to raise money by means that would once have been frowned upon. don't suppose the poor woman has drawn more than the value of a pin cushion, but must look after her ticket. know the secretary, and his office is in the Connery building, only few blocks from here. Do you care to step around there with meY
 Captain Decker was willing, and he &C., companied his friend to a tail building, and up several flight of stairs, until they reached a door upon which they read, lettered on card board, Central M. E Fair" Under this was the word Sec retary." Insi they found smaii and scabtiiy furnished room, with a neat young man in black clothes and white necktie, who was seated at desk.
 The deacon addressed the young man as Mir. Bassett, and introduced his friend, Captain Decker.
 @This don't look much like fair, Mr. Dsssstt," remarked Lambswool.
 "The fair is oyer," replied Bassett. It was great success, and have taken this office for the purpose of settling up the business. A number of our tickets