The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1897-12-09
THE MULE CAME BACK
A Liveryman's Shrewd Bargain
in Horseflesh.
WOOD MAN TURNS A TRICK
The Man From the Hills Is Now in Pos.
session of an Excellent Horse. While
the Ancient Mule Patiently
Munches His Oats.

/ 1t isn't very often that a wood hauler
4 or the country folks get the best of a
I city man in the way of a trade. They
may come To town and get the worst
of 1t right along: sharp salesman may
| palm off most any old thing on them
they may be beaten down on their load
Of wood, without opportunity of re-
dress; they may even be sold German
sox when they ask for the heavy wool
en- article, so that when a man mex
perlenced in the sharp ways of a city
does get the upper hand of a city
| Teller it is matter worthy of note.
Some time ago there was in this city
team of mules, one of which was
about 35 years old, and a good deal the
worse for his long life of labor This
team of mules was offered for sale to
certain Well known livery man of
the city, himself a shrewd horse trader.
The livery man said he would not take
the old mule as a gift, so the owner
sold the team for a nominal price To a
wood hauler.
A few days ago the wood hauler came
to town with load of fuel for sale
The team which drew the load con-
sisted of the old-time mule and a like
~ looking horse. The old mule had
evidently been having a pretty easy
time, for he was as sleek and fat and
strong looking as you please When
wood he put his team up at the stable
of the liyeryman mentioned above, and
went out to make some purchases.
When he got ready to go home he
called for his team, and, paying his
feed bill, hitched up the animals
That's a pretty fine looking mule
you've got there" said the livery stable
man.
THAT mule-why, that's the best
mule around these parts. I'll bet he
can output any team in this country"
replied the fuel dispenser.
What'll you take for him? What
kind of a trade will you make"
"oh, | don't care particular to sell
him, but if you'll give me a good bar
gain, | might make a trade"
The livery man looked the mule over
again and as he gazed upon him his
admiration was ever increasing.
Say. I'll tell you what I'll do" said
he to the stable man. I'm give you that
horse for him." indicating pretty fair
looking animal in stall.
We'll, trot him out and let's see
him.
So the horse was brought out for in
spection, but the wood hauler didn't
think he cared to trade his mule for
him, so the liveryman put him back
and brought out still better animal.
How much will you give me to
boot?' inquired he.
On, Wouidn give you anything;
but I'll trade you even
The liyeryman thought that was a
pretty cheap way TO get the mule. so
he accepted the others proposition.
The wood haulter Immediately UNI
hitched his mule, put in the newly ac-
quired horse and sprang upon his Wag-
on. When he was nicely fixed on his
vehicle and was all ready to go he
shouted to the livery stable man:
Say MIR. ---, YOU ought To know
that mule; he used to be one of the
mules ON the ice wagon here"
And nothing could be heard hut the
crack. crack of the wood hauler's whip
and the rumbling of his wagon. as the
outfit made itself scarce around the
corner, and a low ominous roar issuing
from the barn that sounded like the
first symptoms of a period of activity
in the volcano of Nesuyius.
The old mule looked down in pity
upon the liyeryman. and had he been
a horse he might have given vent To
good loud horse laugh. but being a
mule. well yersed in the ways of the
world, he remained discreetly quiet.
and in the evening a large quantity of
newly sawed wood was found in his
stall,