Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-08-20
Aa,uurons department.
Puncoed the BuncO Man.

He came across the river from Jersey,
and looked so much like Denman
Thompsons Josh Whitcombe that you
could hear the bees humming around
the old homestead, says the Philadel-
phia Telegraph. He was as typical
a farmer as ever broke through the
ferry house and showed the truly rural
agility in side-stepping the dray and
hack driving hogs on Delaware avenue.
Still, there was that look in the cold
eye that told that he had been in more
than one horse trade and still had the
best plug. He was accosted by the US
ual dude-dressed gent, who held out
his hand and, delighted, remarked:
why, bless me if it is not my old
friend Jediah Dobbs from Shamong!
I'm awfully glad to have met you. Un-
Gle Jediah."
The man from Jersey looked at his
would-be friend a moment, realized
that he was up against it and then in
a surprised tone replied:
you've got my autograph down all
right, young fellow; but blessed if you
hain't got the best of me-"
Now, stop and think a moment"
said the bunco man. Cant you re-
member: where you saw me?"
1T maui hev been the Zoo" replied
the Jerseyman. II was there one night
about twenty years ago, but I KANT
remember the names of all the ami
mails
You remember Samuel Donovan,
who used to live in your town some
years ago."
"Pears to me I do; left the place,
didn't he, to escape being introduced
to the sheriff."
He left because he was offered bet
ter advantages in this city. Well, I am
his son, William"
so you are Willie, are you-the lit
tie cub what used to steal my water
melons and throw stones at the cows.
Well, Willie, I'm right glad to see you,
and I don't harbor no unchristianlike
feelin' against your old man. even if he
wasn't just exactly in the. Methodist
deacon class. Howsomever Willie,
hope you don't take after him. What
are 20 udoin' for living?"
"Grafting."
"Graftin, eh? Same as we call bud
din although some people stick to the
old name. How many trees can you do
in a day, and do you use beeswax or
the new-fangled stuff they are sellin' at
the corner stores?"
THAT depends on what I am graft
ing; but come, uncle I want to intro
duce you to a friend of NINE"
Hold your hosses, Willie, or they'll
pull you over the dashboard. This
yere's my pleasure, and consequently
my treat; but just got check from
my commission merchant for fifty
plunks. and I'll have to get that cashed
fuSt."
"Oh, don't worry about that, uncle"
said the bunco man, who already had
the coin clinched. II will cash 1t for
you. and after you treat, if you wish
we will so and meet my friend"
I'm agreeable, Willie; got nothin'
else to do but go down to Dock Street
market for a short spell. Thanks, Will
lie, you are just as good as bank. and
not half so much fuss. Beside, L don't
have to feel sorry for them fresh young
clerks. Here's hopin' you won't grow
up like yer old man."
Same to you. Uncle Jediah."
Excuse me a minute, will you, Will
lie? I got gravelstone in my boot, an
it has been hurting me like thunder
ever since left home I kinder hate
to pull off that boot right here afore all
the people. You'll excuse me, won't
you. Willie?"
Certainly, uncle. Just step in the
back parlor. There's no one in there"
This the man from Jersey did. He
did more. He kept right on stepping
and the bunco man waited in vain for
him to get that gravelstone out of his
boot.
"Gosh!" remarked the man from Jer-
sey, as he pushed through the crowd
and hoped on the ferryboat. Wasn't
he the easiest yet? 1t was his hide or
mine, and tain't no harm to rob rob-
ber. Besides, I haint got it half back
yet"