The Stupendous Merchant

Riddle: Long ago, there lived people in a town of the name Bucknollow, where thieves would go in houses at night and steal... PILLOWS! Now, there was a crafty merchant who discovered a trick. He decided it was best that he not show anyone, for they might spread the word. One day, the merchant could no longer keep the secret to himself, saying, "There must be SOME way to use this device, otherwise, I may go mad." So the merchant gathered his supplies, went to the rooftop, and called for the townspeople. "I have invented a way for you to sleep well tonight!" he said. "I have created bulky, yet fluffy feathers, so the thieves of night may steal your pillows NO MORE! For they will simply be too hard to lift. Watch as I drop this pound of coins from my rooftop, as a pound of MY feathers hits the ground at the same time." The crowd was amazed. He had done it, but how?