Sam Slick's Wise Saws and Modern Instances (Volume 2); Or, What He Said, Did, or Invented (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853. Excerpt: ... SAM SLICK'S WISE SAWS AND MODERN INSTANCES CHAPTER I. THE WITCH OF ESKISOONY. In the mornin', all was bustle on board of the 'Black Hawk;' boats and canoes were alongside, from various parts of the harbour, and a rapid sale was effected of the "notions" on board, either for money, or by barter for fish and oil. While these were conducted under the auspices of the mate and the pilot, I took the gig, and puttin' into it my fishin'-tackle, rifle and carpet-bag, containin' a few changes, I rowed up the river to the residence of my old friend, Captin Collingwpod. The house was situated on a gentle acclivity, VOL. II. B that sloped gradually down to the river, commandin' a view of several of its windings, but sheltered from the Atlantic storms by a projectin' wooded promontory, that shut in the harbour, and gave it an air of seclusion and repose. Seein' a man at some little distance, haulin' seaweed in an ox-cart, I ascertained from him all the particulars concernin' the family, and the whereabouts of all its members. I always do this when I visit a house arter a long absence, to avoid puttin' ontimely questions. It isn't pleasant, in a gineral way, to inquire after the old lady, and find her place supplied by another; or after a son that's dead and buried, or a gal that's taken it into her head to get married without leave. Them mistakes make a feller look blank, and don't make you more welcome, that's a fact. "Don't care" won't bear friendship for fruit, and "don't know, I'm sure," won't ripen it. Life has a chart as well as a coast, and a little care will keep you clear of rocks, reefs and fandbars. After I had heard all I wanted, sais I, "Friend, one good turn deserves another, now your off-ox aint as smart, or as strong, as your near one." "Well, that's a ...