Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1852-09-18

degree of self-composure.
81 know it wasn't" answered Horner,
pausing in his work, and giving vent TO bis
feelings in heavy sigh. 81 know it
wasn't. But this constant dunning is hard
to bear. He knows, as we'll as do, that
he will get his money as soon as l can pos
sibly earn it,"
"No, John, not as well as you do" said
the wife mildly. "He cannot see your
thoughts.'
There was brief silence.
"Have you seen Mr.. Gilbert ?" inquired
Mrs. Horner.
Il"No. But"
The tailor hesitated. He saw what was
in the mind of his wife, and he felt its
force.
"Don't you think it would be better to
see him and explain just how it is with
you? don't believe he would give you
any trouble if you were to go. There is
no telling what kind of messages his clerk
takes TO him. If he gives simply your
words to-day, Mr.. Gilbert will be angry
and there is no knowing what he might be
tempted to do"
81 don't want to see him." replied Hor-
ner, 81 can't Bear to look into mans face
if owe him money.n
The wife sighed but did not answer
Both remained silent for some time. Hor-
ner's own mind soon suggested all that his
wife wished, but, hesitated 10 say. 1t was
but right for him to see the grocer, explain
to him fully his position, and after assur-
IF
every dollar of the debt, ask of him lib
eral extension of time.
81 will see him." said be at length, pau
sing suddenly in his own work, and getting
down from his shop. In little while he
was ready 10 60 out, when he started forth
to see his creditor.
In the meantime Gilbert had kept OH his
way toward the Alderman's fully resolved
to hand his debtor over 10 the tender mer-
cies OF the law. He was within a few
doors of the office when he met a friend
s'Whats the matter? ?' inquired this in
dividual, "you look as though you was 60
ing to sue somebody"
"Just what l am about DOING replied
the grocer.
"Ab, indeed Who is the hard case
that requires such a stringent mea-
sure 9'
"Horner, the tailor. You know him,
believe.u
"Yes, very well. But you are not going
to sue him?"
"Indeed l am"
"How much does he owe you ?''
"Sixty odd do!ars.n
s'I'd think twice before troubled poor
Horner," said the other, shaking his
head.
"He sends me only insulting answers y
replied Gilbert. "I've dunned him for hi!
Indebtedness until am tired"
"Perhaps you have dunned him toe
hard. He is sensitive and irritable.
"No I've only sent three or four times
This morning he returned for an answer
that he would pay me when he was ready
and not before"
"And OIL the spur OF the moment yol
have determined TO put the account in al
alderman's hands.n
"l have"
"Too hasty, friend Gilbert. In all mat
ters of this kind it is better to think twice
Remember that Horner had sickness ant
death in bis family. These know hav'
thrown him back. Here lies the cause O
slowness in paying. But surely thes
things ought to enti,le him to considera
ton. He is honest ! am quite certain o
this"
81 didn't think about his sickness an,
the loss of his child" said Gilbert in
modified tone. "But this is no justification
for the rude, unsatisfactory answer he sen
to my application for money"
q, "Of course not. But every man canno
! at all times, control his feelings. An hon
est mind often feels quick sense OF indig
S nation when demand is made for a det
! where present inability to pay exists =
This is no doubt the case with Horner.-
Honest in his intention, he felt your repea
= ted applications as questioning that hone!
S ty, and he could not bear the imputato
with coming patience"
t The two men separated. Gilbert ha
thought twice and instead of going to th
d magistrates office, returned to his store.-
}, There, little TO his surprise, he found tn
: tailor waiting him. They met with som
S reserve and embarrassment, but Horne
g said in moment or two, and in subdue
: voice:
F 81 am sorry, Mr.. Gilbert, 10 have kel
n you out of your money so long; nothir
k has prevented my paying you but inabilit.
l have had sickness and trouble, or it wou
d not be with me as it is. felt worrit
when your clerk called to-day, and sci
= you an improper message. Let me reca
+ that. And now, will tell you the best
can do. IF you will take from me f'
n dollars month until the whole bill is Sc
If tied, will faithfully pay you that mucl
e and more if it is possible"
!; "pe-fectly satisfactory replied Gilbel
1t in voice so cordial that it sent the blot
m bounding through the veins OF the unhapI
n man. "If you had only made this prop
'g siton before, it would have been cheerful
rt accepted"
When the two men separated, each W
ID wiser and each felt happier. The tail
x, kept his engagement, and the grocer n
re only received his money, but retained
nr good customer. So much for sober, seco
1t, thoughts. So much for THINKING TWICE.
Up, LAZY FELLOW lying down on the gra