Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-01-17

| Among other residents and property
holders in the town, was simplc-min-
ded, true-hearted, honest man. named
Jones. His father had left him q large
farm, goodly portion of which in pro-
cess of time, came to be included in the
limits Of the new city, and he found a
much more profitable employment in
selling building lots than in ulliug the
soil. The property of Mr.. Jones lay a,
the West side of the town. att uu..-
Now, when Mr.. Jones heard of the
exhorbi,ant demand made by Smith 70:
a five acre lot, his honest heart lhrobbed
with feeling of indignation. ... ..
Il couldn't have believed it of him.
said he six thousand dollars! Why, |
would give the city lot o: twice the
size, and do it with pleasure = ...
you would!' said member of the
Council, who happened to hear this re.
mark.
Certainly would
You are really in earnest'
Undoubtedly. Go and select pub
lie square from any of my unappropri-
ated land on the West side of the city,
and will pass you the title, free gift
tomorrow, and feel pleasure in doing SO.
That is public spirit said the
| Councilman.
'Call i, what you will. am pleased
in making the Offer ......
Now let it not be supposed that Mr.,
Jones was shire wdly calculating the ad-
vantage that would result to him from
having a park at the West side of The
city. No such thought had yet entered
his mind. He spoke from the impulse
of generous feeling. ....... .-....
Time passed on, and the session day
of the Council came round-a day 10
which Smith had looked forward with
no ordinary feelings of interest, that
were touched at times by the coldness
of doubt, and the agitation of uncertain
ty. Several times he had more than
half repented of his refusal TO accept the
liberal offer of five thousand dollars, and
of having fixed SO positively on six
thousand as the lowest figure
The morning of the day passed, and
Mr.. Smith began to grow uneasy. He
did not venture to seek for Information
as to the doings of the. Council, for that
would be to expose the anxiety he felt
in their deliberation. Slowly the after
| noon passed away, and it so happened
that Smith did not meet any one OF the
Counclmen; nor did he even know
whether the Council was still in session
or not. AS to making alIusion to the
subject of his anxious interest TO any
one, that was carefully avoided; for he
knew that his exorbitant demand was
town falkland he wished to affect the
most perfect indifference on the subject
The day closed, and not whisper
| about the town lot had come to the ears
| of Smith. What could ii mean! Had
his offer to sell at six thousand been re-
jected! The very tho't caused his heart
to grow heavy in his bosom. Six,
seven, eight O'Clock came. and still il:
was dark with Mr.. Smith. He could
bear the suspense no longer, and so de-
termined to call upon his neighbor Will
son, who was member of the Council.
and learn from him what had been done
So he called on Mr. Wilson.
.Ah, friend Smith, said the latter;
'how are you this evening!'
We'll, thank you,' returned Smith.
feeling certain oppression a, the chest.
How are youH a.at aaa z-usrug
oh, very we'll unar setnu.n
Here then was pause. After which
Smith said eea..s
About that ground of mine. What
did you dor ..r *
Nothing replied Wilson. coldly.
Nothing did you say!' Smiths voice
was a little husky. a. t E. 4...H
No. You declined our ofler;-or,
rather, the high price fixed by yourself
upon the land. III B.
you refused to buy il at five thous-
and, when it was offered, said Smith.
i know we did because your demand
was exorbltant. as
oh, no, not at ALL retained Smith
quickly.
in that we only differ said Wilson.
However the Council has decided not
to give you the price you ask
Unanimously mg
There was not a dissenting voice
Smith began to feel more and more
uncomfortable. .as. r.aA8
i might take something less.' he ven-
tured to say, in a low, hesilating voice.
1T is too late now, was Mr.. Wilson'S
prompt reply.
Too late! How sol E
'We have procureda Il lot ii lgaEs
sMr. Wilson!' And poor Smith star
ted to his feet in chagrin and astonish-
ment.
Yes; we have taken one of Jones'
lots on the West side of the city. A
beautiful ten acre lot ssr.. or ~.
you have!' Smith was actually pale.
I'VE have, and the title deeds are now
being made out sv e.aal ~. a.a5
Ii was some time before Smith had
sufficiently recovered from the stunning
effects of this unlocked for intelligence,
to make The enquiry. !; .a#.. 49, ~
And pray how much did Jones ask
for his ten-acre LOTT .,a ....,
sUe presented il 10 the citv as a Gift