The profits and pay once adjusted to his satisfaction, his spirit took a broad sweep, and the province of human fame, circumscribed, it is true, within the ten mile circuit of his horizon, was at once open before him.

He beheld the strife, and enjoyed the triumph over his fellow-laborers at the bar--he already heard the applauses of his neighbors at this or that fine speech or sentiment; and his form grew insensibly erect, and his eye glistened proudly, as he freely and fully assented to the measure which promised such an abundant harvest.

Vainly did the despairing and dispirited pedler implore a different judgment; the huge box which capped the body of his travelling vehicle, torn from its axle, without any show of reverential respect for screw or fastening, was borne in a moment through the capacious entrance of the hall, and placed conspicuously upon the table.
"The key, Bunce, the key!" was the demand of a dozen.
The pedler hesitated for a second, and the pause was fatal.

Before he could redeem his error, a blow from a hatchet settled the difficulty, by distributing the fine deal-box cover, lock and hinges, in fragments over the apartment.

The revelation of wares and fabrics--a strange admixture, with propriety designated "notions"-- brought all eyes immediately around, and rendered a new order, for common convenience, necessary in the arrangement of the company.