The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-08-26
ACKNOWLEDGING A DEBT.
BY Il. S. ARTHUR
(Continucd.)


Six months more rolled by during which time
not word was said about the old claim, al
though the debtor and creditor met every few days
There began TO be quite marked contrast in
their appearance. Woodfall had n cheerful, con-
tented look while the whole aspect of Jacobs face
apparel and all, was detected and poor.
The business of Jacobs required him to keep a
horse and wagon, and to make frequent short
journeys into the country. In the winter time
roughly constructed sleigh took the place of the
wagon. So much reduced did he at length be-
come, that it became serious question whether
he would not be obliged TO sell his horse although
he might almost as well sell his tools with which
he worked his horse.
One cold day in January, he hitched old Tom
to his sleigh, and started off with some of his
wares for neighboring village. In passing the
store of Woodfall he was hailed by its owner
Stop Jacobs cried that individual; am
going for mile or two out of town. and if you
have no objection, will keep you company
None in the least replied Jacobs, over whose
mind Instantly spread the pleasing hope of being
able TO persuade his debtor to remember him even
at this late day.
Woodfall got into the sleigh with bright,
cheerful face. They had not ridden far before he
said
Il believe, Jacobs it is most time that was
beginning to remember you How are you get
ting along p
Badly enough. ifyou don't do something for
me shall be broke up
Oh no-not so bad as thatP
Indeed it is though. | am hardly able to keep
soul and body together
Really, am sorry to hear you say 80. But
take courage times are growing better. 1t won't
be long before shall have it in my power to make
all straight with YOU
Couldn't you do little for me now? IF it
/ IL
help me very much
Il thank you from my heart, Mr.. Woudfall,'
replied the grateful creditor. When shall call
on you p
Almost any time
| Tomorrow p
Yes, certainly
| Very well will see you home tomorrow
! Woodfall rode with Jacobs for a couple of miles
The latter promised to call for him in the even
| ing as he returned home.
| On the next day Jacobs went to the store of his
debtor with a cheerful spirit. He intended to
ask for fifteen twenty dollars, to pay off lit
tie debt in order to still retain his horse, which
he had seriously contemplated selling with view
to get money 10 lquidate this very obligation -
| Woodlall smiled as he entered. jacobs drew
him aside and asked for the sum he wanted.
In about week you shall have it. Call in a
week.
This was said in tone so low that the clerk,
who was in the store, could not possibly hear
liz.
Disappointed, but still hoping, the creditor
waited another week, and then called in again
you will do something now, ! hope, Mr..
! Woodfal p he said.
4 am sorry, but cannot do any thing today,
was replied in low voice-so low that it reached
no ear bot the one for which it was intended
When will You let me have little money
The smallest sum will be Of a great use to me-
Very SOON
How soon? p
Say three or four days
| jacobs went away with troubled spirit. He
began to disfust his creditors intention Of paying
at all. At the end of the time specified, he cal
led in again upon Woodiall, determined, if posi-
J bic, to get him to make some acknowledgment