little sharp detective work to do before
capturing my horse, so you would have something wonderful to relate when
you arrived home."
"Then you're the man I want, are you?"
"Yes, sir, I suppose I am; but really, my friend, I didn't suppose you
were going to lose all your clothes, and get completely knocked out and
so thoroughly demoralized. How did it all happen?"
"Oh, you're too ---- funny! It's none of your ---- business how it all
happened. I'll get even with you. I'm sorry I haven't a warrant for your
arrest, instead of a writ of replevin for a horse, ---- you!"
"See here; don't you ---- me, sir, or I'll finish you up right here, in
less than one minute!"
He then quieted down, and after serving the writ, took possession of the
horse, before leaving for Sturgis. However, he spent nearly an hour in
mending his clothes, patching up his nose and face, and dressing the
slight flesh-wounds on his hands and arms, after which he borrowed a
hat, and as I supposed, returned to Sturgis with the horse.
I remained over night at the hotel, although I was completely stranded,
and wondered what I should do to make a raise. I realized fully that I
would be obliged to lose several days' valuable time were I to remain
there to contest the ownership of the horse, as return day had been set
six days ahead. Hence I considered it folly to lose so much time for the
value of a horse.
The next morning I arose early, and after breakfast began to search for
an opportunity to make a few dollars.
I happened into a drug store and entering into conversation with the
proprietor found him a very agreeable gentleman and explained to him
that I was a "little short," and inquired if he had any patent
medicines, pills, or anything in that line that a good salesman could
handle. He replied that the only thing he had was about a gallon of
lemon extract which he had made himself from a recipe he had been
foolish enough to pay ten dollars for, and had never yet sold ten cents'
worth of the stuff.
I asked to see it and on tasting it found an excellent article. I then
asked if he would let me take the glass jar and a small graduate to
measure it with, and he said: "Certainly."
With the flavoring extract and measure I started for a general canvass,
going from house to house and introducing "The finest grade of lemon
extract, twenty-five cents per ounce or five ounces for one dollar."
Each purchaser must furnish her own bottle to hold it.
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