True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-11-25
Paying Old Debts and Putting Money
at Interest.

AS Napoleon was rlulng out, attenueu
by several officers, Il was one of the par
ty.) we rode past forest where some
woodmen were cutting timber. Obser'
wing one of them singing, the Emperor,
with smile, turned to us and said
"Ohserve that man. who though toll
ing hard for his daily bread, seems to be
quite happy"
The woodman observing so many per-
sons looking at him, made respectful
bow, and approached to inquire if we had
lost our way.
"No," said the Emperor; 'but tell me
my honest man, what makes you so
cheerful ? What may you earn day ??
"Three francs, your honor"
"Three francs p said the Emperor
does that support your family Tell me
how you manage to do So"
"With pleasure your honor, if you will
step little this way. With three francs
I not only keep my wife and family, bu,
| also put money atinterest, and pay my
old debts"
"Explain yourself"
"Willingly, your honor. / keep my
wife and children-I put my money a
interest by educating the latter at school
and pay off my old debts by maintainin!
my aged father and mother. So you see
your honor | may well be happy"
"Excellent man" said Napoleon, ,"ther
: is a Napoleon for YOU" tossing him tn
money "keep what you have told me
secret. I am your Emperor; on pain o
my displeasure, l enjoin you to tell n
q one till you have seen my face at leas
, hundred times"
"Sir, it shall be so."
"Napoleon turned his horses head, an
i rejoined US. The same evening, as h
. appeared very thoughtful, General Ras
asked him il anything unpleasant ha
, occurred that day!
h "No," said the Emperor, "but ] met
man this morning who, with three fran,
= per day, told me he kept his. family, place
~ ~ money at interest, and paid off his o
! debts" "Gentlemen," continued Il
% Emperor, "you will please me much
~ any of you can tell me the meaning
what he said"
70 All Of US were anxious 10 please o
\, monarch, and knowing that he had spok
4 to woodmau in the forenoon we ro
~ ~ ou. on the following morning, and. havi
~ ~ found the woodman, asked him if he knt
e se to whom he had spoken on the previo
he day.
ID I'D "The man said, eyes, had the hor
a q Of talking with the EmperOr.a
no No. "Wha, did you say 10 him :"
. "Excuse me gentlemen, but l must
tn tell you"
St ~ One of the party said, 81 will give y
40 @ fifty Napoleons to tell me-"
-. w. The man said, "No dare not"
od 1 "You shall have one hundred if y
~ will oblige, u.s." rejoined our companis
Oh The woodman, after pausing mini
,ar -" or two, said: "Place the money in
Nd Nd hands, ard l will tell you." We pla,
-, ~ it in his hands, and after he had carefr
a. examined every piece, he told US all I
" had transpired. We rode of, and, on
!, arrival,at the palace asked to be admit
,t;c 10 the Emperor, when we expounded
sI I riddle. Napoleon, pale with anger, 9
80 . Bring the woodman before me, deat
1ar alive"
;on m He was soon found and ushered
49, the presence of his angry monarch
.o "Sirrah, how have you dared TO br
but your promise with me =
her "Sire," said the woodman, with g
composure, II have not discbeyed y
nds commands"
the "How, slave r said Napoleon, I
'an- you tell me lieF"
ees, "Sire,r said the woodman, '.you
Of me to tell no one until | had seen
er's face one hundred times" Then,putt
ider his hands deliberately into his pocket
laid the pieces Of money, one by one,
he fore the Emperor, with the heads upw
he "There, SIRE" continued he, 'sha
npt. not seen your face one hundred tim
ave Napoleon burst into q loud fit Of la
Ter, gave him slap in the face, G