“NO THOROUGHFARE”

A toll-gate was recently established on a road leading to Little Rock, Ark.; and an old negro who came along with an ox-team was much astonished. “Wall, ef dis doan cap de climax,” said he. “Ain satisfied wid chargin’ folks fur ridin’ on de train and steamboat, but wanster to charge him fur ridin’ in his own waggin!” “That’s the law of the corporation, old man.” “Wat’s de corporation got to do wid my waggin?” “Got nothing to do with your wagon, but they have a right to make you pay for riding over their road.” “Ain dis er a free country?” “Yes. But this is not a free road.” “But de road’s in the country. What does yer law say yer may charge?” “One horse, five cents; a horse and buggy, ten cents; two horses and a wagon, twenty cents.” “Well, dese here ain’t horses, ’case da’s steers. De law doan say nuthin’ about dem. Whoa, dar! Come ’ere!” And to the astonishment of the gate-keeper, the old fellow drove away.