William L. Keese, Pieces People Ask For (1909)
“ An' she wants me to git one—how much be they, now?" "They're two cents apiece."—"Wal, say, mister, look here: I've got a fresh egg, an' my wife sez to me, 'Swap the egg for the needle;' it seems a bit queer. But the thing's about even—it's a big un, yer see." Said the storekeeper presently, "Well, I don't mind." He laid down the needle, and put the egg by— When the countryman blurted out, "Ain't yer inclined To treat a new customer? Fact is, I'm dry." ”
