Eastern times., 1853-01-20
THE STORY TELLER.
How to Pay the Rent.
STORY OF vENTRILoQUIST.

In the summer OF lS47, Macmllan, Tue veil
triloquist, had occasion to visit Manchester,
for the purpose of giving bis ventrlloqual lee
lures at its different institutions. His atten-
ton was attracted by one shop, Of rather hum
BILE appearance, from the circumstance of see-
ing the owner of it always sitting at his work,
and group of pretty children playing about
The door. From the melancholy bits of black
about their dress, they were evidently mother
less. Mr.. Macmillan learnt, from the inscriP-
lion over thesdoor, that the poor tradesman was
uamed John Penny, and that he exercised the
craft and mystery of boot and shoe-making.-
He was tall and thin, with pale visage, and
long hair, combed straight down his cheeks
His brow was thoughtful, not to say careworn; !;
but there was an air of meek resignation about
him that was very touching. The ventrilo-
quist being good-hearted man, and having
wife and family of his own, as he gazed on the
unconscious children, could not help thinking
of his 'ain Mary, and the wee bit barns he had
left at home' He could not resist giving poor
Penny turn, and improving his own under
standing at the same time, by ordering pair
of boots The humble tradesman, who was,
as usual, at his work, gratefully acknowledged
the order; but, in answer to Macmilan's very
natural quesiion-of when he could have the
boots, replied with deep sigh, that he did not
exactly know the order would be executed as
soon as possible, but that he could not fix any
precise time. Macmillan, from his knowledge
of the world, and being considerate man,
thought that, perhaps, the poor fellow had not
got the means to purchase the materials there
was a sad blank air Of poverty about the shop.
Il will leave You half sovereign as Deposit
said he; get them done as soon as possible
TO his surprise, John Penny refused TO take
any advance. 1t will be time eReugh to pay
for the boots wheu you get them,' said he sig
nifcautIy. Macmillan was perplexed. He
looked earnestly at the san of St. CrisPin,
whose brow was more thoughtful and his look
nore careworh than ordinarily don't think
me impertnent,' said he, 'but is anything the
matter! you seem unhappy. No, nothing
very particular Nay, nay, I'm convinced
there is returned Macmillan, whose sympa-
thy began TO be much awakened. 'Come,
what is it.' Well, since you are pressing,
said Penny, sighiug deeply, will confess
there is-mY rent; / have gone back in my
rent. was one of the congregation Of the
Rev. Mr. Tramp, the minister of our local
chapel you don't mean yoG we're one OF the
Jumpers,' inquired Macmill2u, scarcely able
20 conceal smile. Il will coafess that was,
replied Penny, devoutly- : 1 stood high in ia
vor with that singularly pioos man. All his
congregation dealt with me for boots and shoes
thought had received special call to fur
nsh the Jumpers with approved soles but,
alas, one fine m0rning the holy man was
TRANSLATED, think his followers called It,
for he was nowhere to be found! lhls sad
defaLeatiou caused me TO 60 back; could not
meet NV rent, and Why, how much do
Eou owe,' said the kind-hearted ventriioqulst-
Il am now nearly three quarters III arrears; 1t
will soon be upwards of eco WHO is your
laudlordi' Squire Summer What! OF the
LepionmiIls, Ancoatsi' Yes why, he is
one of the great cotton lords; he is as rich as
a Jew. If were to become surety, now,
don't Won think he'd give you timeP He
has been very patient; cannot complain OF
him. But he is a man of business man OF
money. Never having known want himself,
he cannot conceive it to spring from any other
cause than improvIdence, or worse, and has 1T
sle sympathy with il; the last time he was here
he said he should call once more, and then, If
the money was not forthcoming, the law must
take its course. | expected him yesterday
and Eh, mercy, man what's the matter
with you,' said Macmillan, you tremble. =
sYes. see he's coming he has that fellow
Broadman, the broker with him. Macmillan
looked out, and saw, indeed, the Squire, his
footman, and very shabby, suspicious-looklng
fellow, apparently an EMPLoYE of the broker.
He had scarcely time to cast rapid glance
around the deserted shop, and call all his
thoughts together, ere the party were at the
door. and had entered Let them come,
cried Penny, with an air of despairlng reslg-
nation, / have struggled, Heaven knows! as
tonp as was able, and can do no more =
well, Mr.. Penny said the Squire, blandly'
advancing to the counter, 'you know, of course
the cause of my visit.' Here huge staring
Poll Parrot, who, with its cage, formed one OF
the few articles of furniture in the shop, be-
gan to whistle, call again Tomorrow to the
astonishment Of all present except Macmillan.
She followed this by / know bank The
SQUIRE and broker stared The Squire, how
ever, resumed, You are, of course, provided,
Mr.. Penny.' Alas! no sir said the poor
tradesman, it's useless TO deceive you any
further cannot pay you at this moment, nor
either do know whey can; take my little
property, sir, let it pay as far as it will, will
do the best that can; Providence will not for
sake What's o'cIock!' interrupted the
parrot; Polly wants her breakfast The
children, who had by this time stolen covertly
in, curisus to know what was going forward,
were as much surprised as their father at Fol
ly's sudden loquacity. Their little round eyes
dilated with wonder and twinkled with delight ;
but the awful presence of the great man, from
which they fell in instructive awe, somewhat
repressed them. Well, well,' continued the
prudent man Of cotton, after short pause. if
that's the case may as well have the things