The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1857-12-31
When that Note was Due.

A man IN Boston (Ot courSe) was sore
ly prosecuted by an avarcious business
acquaintance, to pacify whom he was
obliged to "settle;" and not wishing to
pay over few hundred in cash, he drew
up note obligating himself to discharge
the account after specified date of time
The creditor, who was known for his
sticking principle" was not in justice,
really entitled to the money; but when
thirty days after date expired, he anx-
iously presented the note for payment
The debtor, instead of meeting it, re-
piled.
"The note is not yet due, sir"
"But it is though. 1t reads Thirty
days after date, promise to pay and so
and so, and thirty-one days have elapsed
since the date thereof; and So"
81 don't care if thirty-one years have
elapsed since the date of the note, l shall
contend for its immaturity," answered
the debtor, interrupting the not very
good-humored note holder, who soon
made his exit, slamming the street door
after him, muttering incoherent about
law, judgement, executions, etc.
In few days both parties where be-
fore magistrate, who on including the
investigation that he must certainly
award augment against the debtor for the
full amount of the note, and the cost of
the prosecution besides.
"And what them" inquired the defen-
dant of the Judge.
81 shall issue an execution" if the
plaintiff desires" returned his honor.
'To be sllre-l want one Immediately"
brawled the plaintiff, whose countenance
revealed his determination to allow no
mercy, as he urged his way as near the
judge as,possible.
"You are resolved upon Judgment
and execution 2" demanded the defen-
dant.
clam" replied the judge, taking up
his pen to record the same.
"To be sure we are," conceded the
plaintiff, with a chuckle.
II presume your honor can spell cor
rectly ?" said the defendant. as he picked
up his hat, and set it further upon the ia
BILE before him.
sInsolent!' exclaimed the judge, chok-
ing with rage.
"Will you oblige me by carefully spell
ling and reading the first line in that
valuable document?" urged the defen-
dant, disregarding the anger of the ma
gistrate, and directing his attention to the
note that lay before him.
The Judge looked at the note and then
at the defendant, but probably thinking
it was best to take it coolly, proceeded to
do as was requested, and read aloud, in
a very lucid style:
"Thirty days after date I prom"
"Stopw shouted the defendant, "you
don't read it right"
II do" was the judges response.
"You don't returned the defendant; Il
thought you couldn't spell"
The judge was now boiling over with
rage, and smote the desk before him 80
violently with his clenched hand, as to
cause those who stood about him, includ-
ing the expectant plaintiff, to retreat a
few PAGES in double quick time.
Keep your temper, judge, or we shal}
be obliged to have the case transferred t$
another court, where the magistrate unN
derstands the art and mystery of spelling
words of one syllable, and doesn't make
a fool of himself by kicking up a row
and smashing Office furniture. There,
you may keep your seat, and tell those
present what the first line OF that note
says" said the defendant, with a GOODNESS
that surprised the audience and pnzzled
the Judge.
Having again glanced at the document,
and appearing to detect something that
had, until that moment, escaped his per-
ception, the judge proceeded to read
Thirty days after death, promise to
pay"
Right!'' exclaimed the defendant; you
can spell, ! see."