The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1852-12-11

kins, readily giving way to his invete-
rate propensity.
"What did you pay for it 2" asked
the old man.
"Guess."
"Ten thousand dollars"
9I won it at rattle. Twenty dol
lars share! What do You think of
that!"
Extraordinary" said the old gen.
tleman, slowly, and eyeing the young
man very keenly. "FIl go directly
and see it. | shan't believe your luck
till my eyes have evidence of it,
Come, Emma, you shall go with u.s."
Stop-stop" said Popkins, ner-
vously, II forgot to mention one thing !;
sold my house this very morning"
"The deuce you did y cried the old
gentleman. sWhat did you get for it ?"
aTen thousand dollars" replied Pop
kins, blushingly.
"My dear boy, congratulate you,"
said the old man. And there's some
thing selfish in my joy, too; for am
unexpectedly called on to pay note
of thousand dollars this morning, and |
have no available funds by me z"
"There, again-confound my luck p
cried Popkins. II forgot to mention
that I was in debt to the fellow who
bought my place. So you see his claim
sweeps up the whole eight thousand"
eight thousand! very well-you
said you got ten thousand for your
house you can certainly accommodate
me with half the balance"
johnson hasn't paid up yet" said
Popkins, involving himself deeper and
deeper in the meshes of falsehood.-
Emma was very much vexed, and Jen-
ny gave up the case as hopeless.
whats to be done :" said Jefferson.
"Nothing that | can see but to wait
for the arrival OF MIR. Thompson with
the money" said Popkins.
"Thompsont Why, you said just
now his name was Johnsonr' said the
Old gentleman, testify.
"That was his given name," an
swered Popkins, hastily. johnson
Thompson in full" And he fastened
| TO change the subject.
But the old gentleman's suspicious
were now fully awakened; and though
Popkins ratified away with his usual
volubilily, his intended father-in-law
was quite cool and monosyllabic in bis
answers.
After lapse Of some time, waiter
presented himself, and announced Mr..
Johnson Thompson. Popkins was as
much astonished as if he had Scaled
up spirits from the vasty deep" and be
could scarcely reply 'sShow 4 him up'
in an audible manner. when in walked
Mr.. Blifin, so disguised in a red wig
and spectacles, that even Miss Jenny
scarcely recognised him.
81 beg pardon for intruding, Mr.. Pop
kins." said he, : but | only called to
say the deed was all right and / have
paid the two thousand into your law
yer's hands. Pray call around and see
me when we get settled in the new
house. My wife is very anxious for the
honor of yoar acqualntance.n
"Give nay respects to Mrs Thomp-
son." said Popkins, recovering his sang
froid, "and tell her shan't fail to call
with-with Mrs. Popkins," he added
smiling on Emma, @after the happy
event."
The imaginary Thompson took leave
with profusion of bows.
my dear boy" said old Jefferson,
shaking hands with Popkins, pardon
me. | suspected-I feared that you
had not broken yourself of your ac-
cursed propensity TO tell fibs, and re-
solved if caught you in single vio-
lation of truth, you should never marry
my daughter. My pecuniary trouble
was all humbug. Yon have stood
the test nobly. Take her and be happy"
His narrow escape taught Mr.. Pop
kins the importance of virtue he had
never practiced; the example of his
wife completed his cure. Mr.. Blifin
was duly rewarded for his opportune
conclusive evidence" and made hap
py in the possession of the pretty wait
ing-maid and if cloud comes over
the felicity of Mr.. Popkins, it is only
when his father-in-law urges him to
make that promised call on Mrs. John
son Thompson.