The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-07-18
When that Note was Due.

a man In Boston, tor eourSe,) vas soreiy
persecuted by ain ssxriicious business sequaint-
ancs, to pacify whom he was obliged to set
tie )" apd not wishing to pay over few hund-
red dollars in cash, he drew hp note o6li-
eating himself to discharge the account after
a specified date or time. The creditor, wht
%as not noted for Ills " sticking principles"
vas not, in justice, really entitled to the mon
ey, but when "thirty days after date were
expired, he anxfonsly presented the note for
payment. The debtor, instead Of meeting it.
replied -
"Thc note is not yet due, sir"
"But it il, though: it reads, thirty dayg
after date, promise to pay so and so; and,
.hirty-sne .hs days have elapsed since the date
IL don't care # thirty-one years Kltt
elapsed since the date of the note, l shall still
contend for its immaturity," answered the
debtor, interrupting the not very sood-hu-
mored note holder, who soon made his exit.
slamming the street door after him, mutter<
ing incoherently about law, Judgment, Aeea@
tions, &c.
In few DAYS both parties were before =
magistrate, who, upon concluding the investi-
CATION, proclaimed that he must certainly
award % Judgment against the debtor for the
full amount of the note, and the cost of prog
ecution besides.
And what then ?" inquired the defendant
of the Judge.
II shall issue an execution If the plain
tiff desires it" returned his honor.
ITO be sure-I want one Mnediatsiy,"
bawled the plaintiff. whose countehsnes re-
vealed his determination to allow no mercy.
as he edged his way as near the Judge as pos
sible.
You are resolved upon Judgment and OK
ecution ?" demanded the defendant.
Il am" replied the judge, taking up hs
pen to record the same.
10 be sure we are conceded the plain
tiff. with chuckle.
"Ipresume your honor can spell correctly ,"
said the defendant, as he picked up his hat
and sent it further upon the table before him.
"Insolent.." exclaimed the judge, choking
with rage.
will YOU oblige me by carefully spelling
and reading the first line in that valuable
document urged the defendant, disregarding
the anger of the magistrate; 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 re-
quested, and read aloud, in very lucid style:
Thirty days after date prom"
Stop" shouted the defendant, .vou don't
read it right"
Il do" was the Judges response.
"You don't" returned the defendant I
thought YOU couldn't SPELL"
The Judge was now boiling over with rage
and smote the desk before him 90 violently
with his clenchcd hand as to cause those Who
stood about him. including the expectant
plaintiff, to retreat few PAGES in double quick
time.
keep Your temper, Judge, or We shah b
obliged to have the case transferred to anoth:
er court, where the magistrate understands
the art and mystery Of spelling words of one
s:llahle, and don't make fcol os himself bv
kicking up row and smashing office furni-
ture. There. YOU may keep your seat, and
tell those present what the frs, line of that
note saws" said the defendant, with a cool
ness that surprised the audience and puzzled
the Judge.
Having agian glanced at the document,
and appearing to detect something that had
Unth tnat moment escaped his perceptaon, the
Judge proceeded to read:
Thirty days after death 1 promise to- pay
Right" exclaimed the defendant; ~Hcu
can spell. see"
This note is not due, gentlemen, until thir.
ty days after DEATH" proclaimed the magis-
trate; the case is accordingly dismissed, and
the court adjourned untilto tomorrow morn
ing"
What" screamed the plaintiff, ~am 1 thus
fooled? Eillain'
The unexpected and ludicrous conclusion
Of the suit threw the whole assembly, save
the unlucky plaintiff. into an uptoarious #
fit OF merriment. which having sudsidcd. they
separated and dispersed. The note is not due
vet.