Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 June 1891 — The Art of Carpet Shaking. [ARTICLE]

The Art of Carpet Shaking.

Dry Goods Journal. He called at the house and asked if she had any carpets to boat, adding that he had been in the business over twenty years. “How much to beat parlor carpet?" she asked. "One dollar. " v '*Why, that's awful! There was a man here yesterday who offered to do the job for 50 cents. " “Exactly, madam; but how was lie prepared?" “He had a club in his hand." “I presume so. He intended to take the carpet out bn a vacant lot didn't he." “Yes, sir; our yard is too small, you know. " “Exactly. That is tapestry Brus sels carpet. It is badly worn. It has numerous holes in it. He would make a great show in getting it out and in there. Out on the lot he would give you away to every one who asked who the carpet belonged to. Is that the way to do a job ol this sort? ’ “How do you do?" “I take-the carpet out through tht alley. I wheel it home. I beat it in a yard surrounded by a high board fence, and while I am returning With it, alt nicely rolled up and covered with a cloth, if any oneasks me whal I have I reply that it is a velvet car pet for 224 Blank street. If no one asks me any questions I call at houses on either side of your and ask if the} have just ordered a new Wilton. They watch me and see me come in here. Madam, in the language ol the Greek, do you twig?” He got the job.