True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-09-22
How to Pay the Rent.
r.,3- A STORY or vENTRItoarIsf.

u TT'.f X e.
nss4if STORY oFtA lvENTRItouuIsf. 'lI
o~Eeeatr., ..5A 80 l.,,t,ts,,.
in the summer of l847, Macmillan the
ventriloquist, had occasion toyisit Man
chester, for the purpose Of giving his ven-
tiinquial lectures at it's different institu-
tioDs. His attention was attracted by one
shop Of rather humble appearance, from the
circumstance Of always seeing the owner
Of it sitting at his work, and a group Of
pretty children playdng about the door
From the melancholy bits Of black about
their dress they were evidently motherless.
Mr.. Macmillan learned from the inscrip-
tion over the door, that the poor trades
Haan was named John Penny, and that he
exercised the craft andmystery Of boot and
shoe making. He was tall and thin, with
apalevisage, and long hair combed straight
down. to his cheeks. His brow was tho't-
fal. not to say careworn; but there was an
all, Of meek resignation about him, that
was very touching. The ventriloquist, be-
ing good-hearted man, and having wife
and family Of his own, as he gazed on the
unconscious children, could not help think
ing Of his ain Mary and the wee bit
BARNS he had left at hame." He could not
resist giving Poor John Penny turn, and
improving his own understanding at the
same time by ordering a pair of boots
The humble tradesman, who was, as usual
at HE work, gratefully acknowledged the
order; but, in answer to Macmillan's very
natural question Of, when he could have
the boots, replied with deep sigh, that
he did not exactly know the order would
be executed as soon as possible; but he
could not fix any precise time.
Macmillan from his knowledge Of the
world, and being considerate man.. tho'i
that perhaps the poor fellow had not the
means to purchase materials; there was q
sad air of poverty about the shop.
81 will leave you half sovereign as Q
Deposit" said he; "you must get them
done as soon as possible"
To his surprise, John Penny refused tc
take any advance. I" 1t will be time enougt
to pay for the boots when you get them,
said he Significantly.
Macmillan was perplexed. He looked
earnestly ut the son of St. Crispin, whose
brow was more thoughtful and looked
more care worn than ordinarily. "Don'
think me impertinent," said he, but il
anything the matter ! you seem unhappy.
'sNo, nothing very particular"
"Nay, nay, I'm convinced there is" re
turned Macmillan, whose sympathy begal
to be much awakened. Come, what il
it," s, 7i
Well, since you are pressing" sal,
Penny, signing deeply, 81 will confes
there is-my rent / have gone back il
my rent. i was one Of the congregation
ofthe Rev. Mr.. Tramp, the minister a
our local chapel"
You don't mean you were one of tn
Jumpers!" inquired Macmillan, scarcel!
able to conceal smile. l
81 will confess that / was" reple
Penny, deVoutly. =" / stood high in favo
with that singularly pious man. All hi
congregation dealt with me for boots an
shoes. ] thought had received specio
call to furnish the Jumpers with approve
soles; but, alas one fine morning the hol
man was translated, l think his follower
called II, for he was nowhere-to be found
This sad defaication caused me to 60 back
Icoula not pay my rent, and"
%" Why, how much do you owe? 7" sal
the kind hearted ventriloquist.
81 am nearly three-quarters in arrears
1t will soon be upwards Of twenty pounds.
"Who is your landlord" ws
esquire Sumner"
What, of the Legion mills, Ancoats
"Yes.''33sH 4 l5a
"Why, he is one Of the great cotto
lords; his is rich as Jew. If Iwere I
become surety, now, don't you think he
give you time!"
"He has been very patient, cannt
complain Of him. But he ia man of bl
siness--a man Of money. Never hayin
known want himself he cannot conceive,
to spring from any other cause than in
providence, or worse, and has little syn
pathy with II. The last time he was her
he said be should call once more, and thel
ifthe money was not forthcoming, the la
must take its course. ] expected him ye
terday, and-" .,.
/" Eh, mercy, man what's the matt,
with yous9" said Macmillan, you treu
ble.v
g Yes, ! see he's coming he has th
fellow, Broadbent, the broker with him.
Macmillan looked out, and saw, indee
the Squire, his foctman and very shabb
suspicious looking fellow, apparently :