Sturgis advertiser. (Sturgis, Dakota [S.D.]) 1887-1???, 1889-05-04
TALE OF TWO TRUNKS
BY CLARA MERwIN.

BY CLARA MERWIN.
"Better take it, sir. A regular bar
gain.
And the proprietor of A. Jackman's
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 I wasn't expecting to pay so
much" hesitated Mr.. Edward Erwin, a
portly, middle-aged gentleman, with
gold eyeglasses, spotless suit of fresh
broadcloth, and irreproachable linen.
II had limited myself to -"
@Only two of 'em made, SIR" per-
suasively broke in A. Jackman, lower
ing his voice to q 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, $25. 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 a man might hang
himself bv 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 I have limited myself to $18
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"
"No, WON'T" said Mr.. Erwin, rather
CURLY, 81 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 or
Lower Japan!"
So Mr.. Erwin bought the trunk,
ordered it sent to his address, and went
his way rejoicing.
Mrs. Erwin-she was sharp-nosed
lady, few years older than her iege
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 mental reserva-
+, tion of the other seven.
"Too much" was the conjugal COM
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 pro-
jected commercial tour.
"Isuppose you couldn't wait until next
week, /" said Mrs. Erwin, stirring COM
pound of rock candy, squills, and liquo-
rice ina small stone pitcher. For
really think my cold would be enough
better to-"
"Quite out of the question, Esther, my
dear, quite out of the question" Mr.. Err
win hurriedly answered. Link and
Dunn regard it as essential that I 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 occa-
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"
IT 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 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 go in style or perish
in the attempt.
'.I don't want one of your band-boxes
that'll smash, up the minute the express
man dumps it ON the railway platform"
said she. II want q real good, sub
stantial-"
Eve can suit you exactly, ma'am,
said Mr.. Jackman, rubbing his hands
gleefully together ''Only two of 'em
made. Too goodl Hal ha! ha! just
sold the other one at loss, and as
you're lady well 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 Safepta and Barbara
Blackmore, and the two Mr.. Black
mores. MIR. Erwin, who sat directly
across the isle of the railway car, was
more detected. Mrs. Erwin had re-
covered from her cold and autographed
to him that he might expect her to meet
him at the Whiteport Hotel.