Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 February 1895 — A Barrel of Flour for a Bear, [ARTICLE]

A Barrel of Flour for a Bear,

Eewlston, Me., Journal. A Presque Isle merchant recently carried out a satisfactory transac, tion on the principle that a bear in the bush is worth a barrel of flour in the hand, although the theory is contrary to the maxims of Poor Richard and all other philosophers. A long, lank fellow from the backwoods, whose garb bespoke the healthy and rugged poverty of the pioneer life came into Barker's store" and wanted to get a barrel of flour on credit. Being asked what security he could give for the bill,' he admitted that he had no real estate, neither a hoof nor head of stock, and no personal collateral of any description, except a wife and a large brood of children, and he- added that he had just got on the track of a bear and if Barker was willing to take the bear as security he would take his gun the next Monday morning and camp right on his track until he got him. It was a trade, which the beat ' squared up with his skin two Weeks later, and Presque Isle honesty and sagacity were both vindicated.