Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1855-12-27

a pofl6CI Ui3rvel VI Wdon0l "ohl1n 0nAii
| trotted off, like a wild pony tha
had suddenly got an idea in its head
and pulled up at uncle Ellhu's office
Somewhat embarrassed, / delivered
myself in the following equivOca
4 manner:
| Uncle Enhu, | hadn't an idea thai
you ever gave anything to poor wo
men! was so much surprised wher
she told me how generous you were!
My uncle only. smiled, as he re-
piled, IF / did not light the match at
both ends, my Son, | could not do
this =
In future, I always felt a respect
for uncle Elihu, while blowing out a
match that had not been lighted at
both ends.
But my uncle's perseverance, in
keeping his good deeds to himself:
and his determination to economize
in the smallest triaes, even before
those who would naturally miscon-
strue his motives, often led to mis-
takes and endorsements. The sto-
~ of the Committee-AIen is quite a
familiar one to those who knew him.
Two members of a society for the
relief of somebody, somewhere, heard
of uncle Elihu Norton and bis great
wealth, with the same pleasure that
the discovery of a silver mine af-
fords; and, without delay, fastened to
secure the treasure.
The hour chosen by them for this
friendly visit was the one between
daylight and dark, when peoples fea-
lures resolve themselves into an inn
perfect mass, and imagination plays
strange freaks with the shadows that
loom up around. They were ushered
into the drawing-room by a servant,
who soon returned to say that Mr..
Norton would be there immediately.
AS the girl delivered her message,
she placed too small ends of candle in
the articles. denominated Save alls,
and, after lighting them, withdrew.
The visitors looked at each other
in astonishment, and a meaning smile
passed over their faces. M CD sgd y
How very small!' said one, with a
contemptuous laugh. are-3ls5asi
1T is my opinion said the other,
that we are only wasting our TIME
here-what can you expect of man
like this who uses saue-als2 Let us
90 in search Of a more promising OBJ
ject.' ujit sai q ae 7gye,.
4 expect no more than you do,
replied his companion, 'but l think
that it will be somewhat amusing to
witness the mans anger when he hears
the object Of our visit. Perhaps he
expects to receire money, instead OF
giving it, asiiao;4 ,sii3 %
So they concluded to await the re-
suit; and, just as they had come to
this conclusion, uncle Eiihu stood be-
fore them. He had heard the whole
conversation; but he walked in with
his usual calm air, and politely bowed
to his visitors inapparent unconscious
ness of their object. They informed
him of it in much the same way that
a school-boy reoites his lesson; for
they expected to get nothing, and
went through it merely for forms
sake. $50 o al.IG e.iH3G :; d5.a
NV uncle listened attentively,
asked few questions and then, find
ing that the project was really a de-
serving one, handed them a fifty dol
ldl Difl. laiJ 4N i1s - -'tt
A look of surprise passed between
them; and they thanked him in some
embarrassment, as they called to
mind their uncomplimentary obserya-
tions. ~ =
Now, gentlemen,' said my uncle,
4 think it is my duty to mention that
Il overheard your conversation, and !
am, consequently, aware Of your SEN
timents toward me. Permit me to
observe that l consider them some
what unfounded--were it not fol
these save-alls, that you so much de
spise, l could not have given you this
fifty dollar bill
The Committee-Men departed
with a lesson that they never forgot
and my uncle pursued the even tenor
of his way.
Uncle Elihu was dead; and the
bright radiance Of a summer morning
Istreamed into the room on the day 0
his funeral. The sharp features in th'
coffin we're the same that ! had so oft