The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1854-03-30
Hlisfellaueous.
A CHAPTER IN THE LIFE
OF SETH WATSON.
By SIDNEY +. CHURCH.

Some fifteen or twenty years ago,
there resided in the little town of C,
in the western part of Massachusetts, a
queer old fellow by the name of Seth
Watson, well known far and near for his
shrewd speculations, while his "cute"
maneuvers for money making and money
getting were the theme of every tongue
two nights in tue week, at least, in the
village where he resided. And though
even his own neighbors were at times
the sufferers by his sharp practices, yet
each and every one joined in the laugh
which was raised at every new demon
stration Of his ability in the liue.
Seth had been to Boston once, long
time ago, and had been most essentially y
sucked in in the way of trade by some
dealers there lie was green at that
time, and had vowed to himself that be
would be even with the Boston people
before he left off business matters in
general, if it cost him half his fortune
He had accumulated large property
by his thrift and keenness, and now, be-
sides being the owner of country store,
a tannery, saw-mill, and dozen dwell
lug houses, was one of thelargest land
holders in that section of the country
and thought he to himself, now is about
the right time to pay off old scores with
them Boston chaps.
There was not far from the residence
of Seth an old pasture, which was looked
upon by all as of the least possible
value. There might have been fifty
acres, in all, yet so sterile was the soil
that it was hard matter for even two
COWS to pick up living on its barren
surface. 1t was often compared to self
righteousness, as the more a man had OF
it, the worse he was off. Suddenly it
was noised about the little village Of c.
that Seth had bought the sorrel pasture,
as it was called and many wondering
voices thought that Seth had been bit
once, sure and Squire Swan the magis-
trate Of the village, went down to see Seth
and talk over the matter with him.
"You've been buying the sorrel pas
ture they tell me-" said Mr. Swan, as
soon as the customary good evenings
were passed.
Wal, yeas, I've been making bit
of trade that wey."
"Seems to me-" said the Squire again
after moments study, that you've
paid too much for that land "
"Two hundred dollars for fifty acres,
Squire, faint so very bad, considering
what the land produces"
Nothing but sorrel grows there,
Seth, as I've ever seem"
"Tbere will be . hundred bushels of
seed there" said Seth, by way of de-
Tending his trade.
"Seed," exclaimed he, Why man
alive, what are you thinking OF taint
no sort o. use whatever" and the Squire
popped out OF the house with an air of q
man who bad been imposed upon. But
Seth, in spite Of all his neighbours hints
and suggestions, had the sorrel cut and
the seed thrcsbed out, aud sure enough
there was hundred bushels Of it-and
what was hc.to do with it that WAS the
question Some OF the more knowing
ones said Seth would find q way for it,
aud he did
The head Of the firm of Sponge &
Co. was sitting in bis counting room,
thinking how he could invest a surplus
of thousand dollars or so which be had
on hanI. Sponge & Co. we're dealers
in agricultural commodities, ad years
ago the head Of the frm had cheated
Seth Watson on his first visit to Boston.
Both had become rich by exercise Of
their talents in their individual voca-
tions, but the old grudge still remained,
and sooner or later it must be settled.
There is . gentleman wishes to see
you, sir" said clerk, tbrusting bis
head toto the counting-room Of Mr..
Sponrs