M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1858-02-04

me particularly by settling the bill, as
it was Saturday, and had my work
men to payP
Yes sir; but he turned off, saying
he didn't wish to hear anything more
from me- --
Barker sighed, and for some mo.
ments sat very still upon his bench.
Then rising slowly, he referred again
to his package Of unsettled bills.
Suppose you try Mr.. Wharton
again
The boy shook his head, remarking,
with some familiarity of manner,
Poor ohaneo.theral Hes been go-
ing to call round and pay these three
months
When did yOu see Mr., Wintonp
asked the shoemaker.
Last week
'What did he sayP
That he would call around
Call around! It's only q get off,
I'm out OF all patiencep AND the
perplexed shoemaker grew excited.
They are all eager enough to get their
work, and sharp spoken enough if it
isn't ready to the minute. But when
it comes to paying, the matter is Of
too little Importance to claim their at
tcntion. ALI here is Maberry's nc
count, he had been running over
the r'5 as he talked. Didn't he
promise to settle today
Yes sir, | think he did, replied the
boy.
VERY well. Hurry round to the
store, and catch him before he goes to
dinner
The lad started off with his uscal
alacrity, and Barker sat down again
to work and wait.
No money! The shoemaker read
disappointment in the boys face.
No sir 'WhyP
Mr.. Maberry said he had Just de-
posted everything for the day, and
that he couldn't draw a check for so
small an amount. Would pay on
Monday
A thin, pale, weary-looking woman
opened the shop door at this moment,
and came in. She carried Il basket on
her arm, from which took a bundle
OF 'uppers' that she had taken to close
and bind.
Here is the work, Mr.. Barker she
said, in detected voice, i hope you
will find it all right. They would
have been ready two days ago, but
my husband is very sick, and Eve had
to BE- up with him all night fer three
nights
The shoemaker did not see the quail.
ity of the work, as he took the 'uppers'
from the woman's basket, and made q
show Of examining them. He was
only thinking ofthe womau's need and
her expectations. She had performed
her part, but not a single dollar had
he in the house, and how was he to
perform his part?
How is your husband to-day" he
asked kindly, showing more than
usual interest, for he felt that he had
little more than sympathy to give.
Not SO WELL replied the woman.
1 have run down for a few minutes,
and left Kim alone, quite as much to
Get the money for the work as to bring
it home. The doctor has ordered Il
little wine, and | must get it for him
ii it takes all have earned this week.
How much does your work come
top
Two dollars, answered the woman.
The shoemaker went to his desk,
and opening it, took out his little cash.
box, and made a pretence Of disap-
pointmcnt rs he turned it toward the
woman. 1t did not contain Il single
copper. Then he drew forth an old
pocket book, and examined every
compartment, but with no better sue
cess.
You are a little too early, Mrs.
Blythe, said he smiling, yet graceful
ly, "a little too early. | haven't re-
ceived my collections for the day
Shall send you up the money!
The woman sighed, and looked very
much disappointed.
Pm very sorry, Mrs. Blythe'-the
shoemaker did not manifest the slight
est impatience, for he understood the
case perfectly--'hut we find it very
hard sometimes, to get in our bills.
Pve had Andrew running round all
the morning, and he hasn't collected
single dollar so far. 1t is strange
how little rich men think Of their OBJ
legations to us poor mechanics, who
live nearly all the while from hand to
mouth. Ill could always get in my
small bills, | would be very comforta-
BILE. AS it is, l am always in trouble
about money
Mrs. Blythe stood very still, and
answered not word. 1t was hardly
possible for her to leave her husband
again, and moreover, she had prom
ised TO bring him home the wine.