overnment monikins in that queer country."

An inquiring look extorted a clearer answer from the brigadier:--

"To admit the fact, we have a class among us who buy up these articles
with some eagerness. I can only account for it, by supposing they think
differing in their tastes from the mass, makes them more enlightened and
peculiar."

"I'll take them all. An article that catches these propensities is sure
of sale. 'Opinions on Events': what can possibly be done with these?"

"That depends a little on their classification," returned the brigadier.
"If they relate to Leaplow events, while they have a certain value, they
cannot be termed of current value; but if they refer to the events of
all the rest of the earth, take them for heaven's sake! for we trust
altogether to this market for our supplies."

On this hint I ordered the whole lot, trusting to dispose of the least
fashionable by aid of those that were more in vogue.

"'Opinions on Domestic Literature.'"

"You may buy all he has; we use no other."

"'Opinions on Continental Literature.'"

"Why, we know little about the goods themselves--but I think a selection
might answer."

I ordered the bale cut in two, and took one half, at a venture.

"'Opinions of Leaplow Literature, From No. 1 up to No. 100.'"

"Ah! it is proper I should explain," put in the broker, "that we has two
varieties of them 'ere harticles. One is the true harticle, as is got
up by our great wits and philosophers, they says, on the most approved
models; but the other is nothing but a sham harticle that is really
manufactured in Leaplow, and is sent out here to get hour stamp. That's
all--I never deceives a customer--both sell well, I hear, on the other
side, 'owever."

I looked again at the brigadier, who quietly nodding assent, I took the
whole hundred bales.

"'Opinions of the Institutions of Leaphigh.'"

"Why, them 'ere is assorted, being of all sizes, forms, and colors. They
came coastwise, and are chiefly for domestic consumption; though I have
known 'em sent to Leaplow, with success."

"The consumers of this article among us," observed the brigadier, "are
very select, and rarely take any but of the very best quality. But then
they are usually so well stocked, that I question if a new importation
would pay freight. Indeed, our consumers cling very generally to the
old fashions in this article, not even admitting the changes produced by
time. There was an old manufacturer cal