Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1850-09-14

see II his good credit has been OF any real
benefit to him.
1t was so very pleasant to have things COM
Portable or for little display, without feeling
that the indulgence drained the purse too
heavily. And weak vanity on the part Of
Jacobs, was grati6ed BY the hattering opinion
of his honesty entertained by Edwards, the
storekeeper His credit was good and he
was proud of the fact. But the day of recon
ing was approaching, and at last it came.
Notwithstanding the credit at the dry goods
store, there was no more money in the young
clerks purse at the end of six months than at
the beginning. The cash that would have
gone for clothing, when necessity called for
additions to the family wardrobe, had been
spent for things, the purchase of which would
have been omitted, but for the fact that the
dollars were in the purse instead of in the
store keepers hands, and tempted needless
expenditure.
As the end of the six months credit period
approached, the mind of Jacobs began to rest
upon the dry goods dealers bill, and to be
disturbed by feeling of anxiety. As to the
amount of this bill, he was in some uncertain
ty; but he thought that it could not be less
than forty dollars. That was a large sum for
him to owe, particularly as he had nothing
ahead, and his current expenses were fully up
to his income Itwa now, for the first time
in his life, that Jacobs felt the nightmare
pressure of debt, and it seemed, at times, as if
il would almost suffocate him.
One evening he came home, feeling more
sober than usual. He had thought Of little
else all day besides his bill at the store. On
meeting his wife he saw that something was
wrong.
what ais you, Jane?' said he kindly
Are you sick? p
NO. was the simple reply. But her eyes
dropped as she made it, and her husband saw
that her lips slightly quivered
Something is wrong, Jane said the hus-
band
Tearsstole to the wife's cheeks from be-
meath her half closed lids-the bosom labOred
with the weight of some pressure.
Tell me jane urged Jacobs, If any thing
is wrong. Your manner alarms me- Are
any of the childrensick p
sOh, no, no. Nothing of that, was quickly
answered 'But--but-Mr.Edwar has sent
in his bill.
That was to be expected, of course said
Jacobs, with forced calmness. The credit was
for only six months. But, how much is the
bill ll?'
His voice was unsteady as he asked the
question.
"A hundred and twenty dollars And poor
Mrs Jacobs burst into-tears.
'Impossibleh exclaimed the startled hus-
band. Impossible? There is some mistake.
hundred and twenty dollarsi Neverl
Jacobs sat for some moments with his eyes
upon the floor He was thinking rapidly.
so much for good credit he said, at
length, taking long breath. what fool
have been! That cunning fellow, Edwards
has gone to the winward of me completely
He knew that if he got me on his books, he
would secure three dollars to one of my mon
ey, beyond what he would get on the cash
down system. One hundred and twenty dol
lars in six months! All, me! Are we hap
pier now, for the extra dry goods we have
procured? Not a whit! Our bodies have
been little better clothed, and our love of
display grati6ed to some extent But has all
that wrought compensation for the pain of
this day of reckoning?'
Poor Mrs. Jacobs was silent. Sadly was
she reppnting of her part in the folly they bad
committed.
Tea time came, but neither husband nor
That bill for hundred and twenty dollars
had taken away their. appetites The night
that followed brought to neither of them very
refreshing slumber; and in the morning they
awoke sober minded. and little inclined for con
versation. But one thought was in the mind
of Jacohs-the bill of Edwards: and one feel
ing in the mind of his wife-self- reproach for
her part in the work of embarrassment
what viii you do?' said Mrs Jacobs, in a
voice that was unsteady, looking into her hus
bands face with glittering eyes. as she laid
her hand upon his arm, causing him to pause
as he was about leaving the house.
Pm sure don't know replied the young
man, gloomily. 4 shall have to see Edwards,
suppose, and ask him to wait. But I'm sure
I'd rather take a horse whipping. Good cred
it, He'll sing different song now
For moment or two longer the husband
and wife stood looking at each other Then,
as each sighed heavily, the former turned
away and left the house. His road to business
was past the store of Mr. Edwards,-but he
now avoided the street in which he lived, and
went whole block out of his way to do SO.
How am 1 to pay this bill?' murmured the
unhappy Jacobs, pausing in his work for the
twentie tn time, as he sat at his desk, and gave
his mind up to troubled thoughts.
Just at this moment the senior partner in
the establishment came up and stood beside
him.
We'll, my young friend,.' said he, kindly,
how are you getting along?'
Jacobs tried to smile and look cheerful as
he replied
Pretty well, SIR But his voice had in it
touch of dependency.
Let me see,' remarked the employer after
a pause: your regular year is up to-day, is it
not?'
Yes, SIR replied Jacobs, his heart sinking
more heavily in his bosom, for. the question
discharge from his place-busi-
ness having been dull for some time.
1 was looking at your account yesterday,
the employer, and find that it is
drawn up close. Have you nothing ahead q
Not dollar, am sorry to say returned
Jacobs. Living is expensive; and have five
mouths to feed
That being the case,' said the employer,
L e: El-f A