Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1889-05-09
TALE OF TWO TRUNKS
BY CLARA MERWIN.

ana uQe pTUpTleiDT VI n. chChiudu ?
Trunk and Saddlery Emporium, on
Trade street, thrust his hands deep
down into his trousers pockets and as
sumed the insinuating grin that is sup
posed to facilitate business.
But wasn't expecting to pay SC
much" hesitated Mr.. Edward Erwin, a
portly, middle-aged gentleman, with
gold eyeglasses, a spotless suit of fresh
broadcloth, and irreproachable linen.
Il had limited myself to -"
"Only two of 'em made, sir" per-
suasively broke in A. Jackman, lower
ing his voice to whisper, Couldn't be
afforded at the price. A dead loss to
the trade, sir. Why, we've got to sell
them for a mere song, SO. It's enough
to make one laugh. Look at them zinc
bindings, sir! Look at them wrought
iron clamps! just see the patent locks,
sir, and the straps as man might hang
himself by and never feelit! Why, sir,
you might fill that there trunk with lead
or granite and cart it across the con-
tinent without starting nail
1t certainly appears very strong and
serviceable," said Mr.. Erwin, reflect
lively, feeling his chin. "And perhaps
although 1 have limited myself to SIS
You'll never feel the difference, sir,
said Mr.. Jackman. Dear me, sir
money spent for valuable article, is as
good as an investment. Will you have
your name painted on the end, sir? We
do it gratis.
mo, I WON'T said Mr. Erwin, rathed
CURLY, q don't believe in advertising
myself while I'm travelling"
And there's another advantage, sir, "
said Mr. Jackman, in trunk of this
remarkable style and pattern. No diff
Guilty in identifying it, sir. Ha! ha! ha
Why, a man could tell it in Arabia OF
Lower Japan!"
So Mr.. Erwin bought the trunk,
ordered it sent to his address, and went
his way rejoicing.
Mrs. Erwin-she was o sharp-nosed
lady, q few years older than her liege
lord, and given to unreasoning jealousy
put on her spectacles to look at the
new purchase.
"How much did you give for it,
Erwin ?" she demanded.
Eighteen dollars, my love-" Mr.. Err
win responded, with a mental reserva-
ton of the other seven.
"Too much, was the conjugal ccm-
ment. But as, according to Mrs. Err
wins views of social economy, her spouse
invariably paid too much for everything
he bought, he made no attempt to justify
himself, but went on laying out his
shirts, socks, and slippers for a pro-
jected commercial tour
Il suppose you couldn't wait until next
week, said Mrs. Erwin, stirring COM
pound of rock-candy, squills, and liquo-
rice in small stone pitcher. For l
really think my cold would be enough
better TO-
''Quite ont of the question, Esther, my
dear, quite out of the question, Mr.. Err
win hurriedly answered. Link and
Dunn regard it as essential that should
go at once, preparatory to the opening
of the spring trade"
Mrs. Erwin sneezed out her regrets.
She never allowed Mr.. Erwin to go
travelling without her when she could
help it, but Providence and influenza
were too strong for her upon this coca
sion.
81 know you'll get into some scrape,
Erwin, if I'm not with you,' sighed
she. you're as thoughtless as child,
and"
81 hope not, my love-" said Mr.. Err
win, secretely exultant 1t wasn't often
he had the privilege of being his own
master, and he felt like a boy just let
out of school.
Miss Maria Ann Binder bought the
second great bargain" at the Trunk
and Saddlery Emporium on Trade
street. She was an old maid of the old
maidiest description. lean, lank, and
sullen, with not a great deal of money
to spare; but she was going on visit
to her cousins up in Maine, where there
were two or three eligible old bachelors,
and she resolved to 60 in style or perish
in the attempt.
Il don't want one of your band boxes
thatl smash up the minute the express
man dumps it on the railway platform.
said she. Il want a real good, sub
stantial-"
''We can suit you exactly. ma'am,
said Mr.. Jackman, rubbing his hands
gleefully together. ''Only two of 'em
made. Too good! Ha! ha! ha! Just
sold the other one at a loss, and as
you're lady we'll do equally well by
you"
Fate is an irresponsible agent, as we
are taught to believe: but there is a
deal of sly waggery about Fate. after
all. Else, how did it happen that Mr..
Erwin and Miss Maria Ann Binder met
on the northern train that gusty Febru-
airy night, about two weeks subse-
quently?
Miss Maria Ann was jubilant, as she
thought of Miss Salepta and Barbara
Blackmore, and the two Mr.. Black
mores. Mr.. Erwin, who sat directly
across the isle of the railway car, was
more detected Mrs. Erwin had re-
covered from her cold and telegraphed
to him tina: he might expect her to NEE,
him at the Whiteport Hotel.
"Of course she'll go the rest of the
route with me-" pondered Mr.. Erwin.
Dear me, dear me, why can't women
be contented at home?"
There had been considerable changes
of train, owing to the breakdown of a
locomotive on the snowy road, and the
passengers congregated about the bag.
cage-car, when at last they reached
Whiteport. Miss Marie Ann Binder
presented her check to hackman. Mr..
Erwin CHANGED to selec; the same func-
tionary.
~f them trunks amt as like as two
pees." said Jehu to himself, as, his pas
eeneers suuely seated, he banged the
trunks on behind. Guess likely they'll