The Marketplace

Lost & Found — One pair of new boots, left out on a porch on the west side of town by an owner who would not have them in the house. They were gone by morning. The owner does not wish to discuss whether this proves his point.

Wanted — Salt, in quantity. The Main Street Café reports a run on it, most of which has gone over the left shoulder and very little of which has reached the potatoes.

For Sale — Wildflowers by the bunch, picked this week. One bunch went on Tuesday to a gentleman who did not say what it was for and did not need to.

Services — Gates rehung and hinges seen to. One bad hinge has been known to let out a pig and a whole household’s temper along with it. Have yours looked at.

Notices — Horseshoes, rosemary and red thread are all in steady demand this season. The Apothecary stocks the second and the third and directs enquiries for the first to the Blacksmith.

Situations Wanted — Farmhand, many years on the same farm, good with pigs and better with gates, seeks nothing at present but would like it known that he was right about the hinge.

Meetings — The Schoolhouse reminds parents that Dover Rover is to be played on the grass and not on the gravel, and that the strongest arms in the line are not to be arranged in advance.

Ironwork — Horseshoes made to order and hung whichever way up the customer prefers. The Blacksmith has heard both arguments and will not take a side.

Personal — Gramma G has another one to tell, and says the sea will keep until the next issue.

A Word from the Bakery — The Bakery does not sweep after sundown either, and has never once been short of luck or crumbs. Customers are asked to mind their feet in the evenings.

Services — Hair cut, beards trimmed and teeth seen to, as before. Mr. Qute will not cut hair after dark on a Friday and declines to say why. Book accordingly.

Found — One sprig of rosemary, pressed flat, turned up under a pillow at the laundering. Returned to the household without comment.

Carting & Haulage — Waggon and team for hire, wet weather or dry. We will not carry a mirror, a ladder, or anything black and furred with an opinion. Everything else at fair rates.

Feed & Grain — Mr. Grit reminds the valley that winter feed keeps longer in a dry loft than a wet one, and that no amount of luck has yet dried a loft. Orders now, please.

Dairy & Creamery — Mr. Ned Pinter keeps the cellar cool and the wheels turned, and can tell the age of any one of them by the sound it makes under his knuckles. Milk down from the valley farms of a morning, butter by the crock, cream by the jug. One sample to a customer — unless you can name the cheese, in which case he will allow you a second and talk your ear off besides.

In Closing — The Voice thanks its merchants, its readers, and every soul who spilled a little salt this season and had the decency to throw it well clear of the next table. Notices may be left at the Mercantile counter, on the high shelf.