The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-08-17

reflection, that, from his wife's
statement, the deduction was correct, so he
denied the statement.
"You cannot furnish the food and clothe
yourself and children for the sum you have
named" he said.
Thereupon, Maria sat down, and made
known few facts to him that had been hid
den within the mysteries Of her own house,
keeping. She was not long in proving to
him that, during the past year, the items of
expenditure within said limits had not aver
aged a guinea per week. Walter said
"Pooh !" and then he added "Nonsense !"
and then he left the house.
"There must be some mistake" he said
t. himself, after he had got away from the
house and he really believed there was q
mistake.
"Have glass Of soda, Bill Come, Tom,
have glass;"
"Have some, Ned :"
And Ned says "Yes." So the clerk pre-
pared four glasses of soda, for which Walter
Gray paid two shillings.
diets have game Of 'seven-up' for the
OYSTERS" said Bill, after the days work was
done.
The game was played, and Walter lost,
so he paid five shiIings for four oyster.sup-
pers-suppers which none Of them needed.
and which did them more hurt than good.
"Have a ciger, Walter :" asked Tom.
Walter said yes, and in return paid for
four glasses of ale.
One evening they met, after work, and
Ned proposed that they should "toss up" to
see who should pay for the grog.
"Come, John-won't you come in :" he
said, addressing John Niles, who stood by.
"No-think not" was Johns reply.
"You'd better. It's only for the grog-for
five, if you come in"
II can't''
"It's OF no use to ask him." spoke Walter
in rather sarcastic tone. "He don't spent
his money in that way"
Johns face flushed. and his lips trembled
but he restrained the biting words which
were struggling upon his tongue, and turned
and left the shop.
"He's q mean fellow" cried Tom, loud
enough for Niles to hear.
"Tight as the bark Of a tree" added Wal
ter, in a tone equally loud.
John Niles heard the remarks, but he did
not come back.
The four remaining men "tossed ups" ant
the lot fell upon Walter and Tom. Then
they "tossed it off," and it fell upon Walter
who paid four shilIings for the greg.
Walter started for home about nine
O'Clock, and on the way he was overtaker
by Niles.
"Walter," said the LITTER, in kind bu
earnest tone, 81 want to speak with you.--
You have wropged me this evening, and
wish you to ucderstand me. For the opin
ions of Bill Smith or Ned Francis care not
but do not wish you to msapprehend me
We live too near together, and would moi
lose your good opinion"
"Well-go ahead" returned Walter. whit
was sensible of the fact that his companion
was one of the best and kindest neighbour
in the world.
"You said was mean"
"No, no twas not who said that"
"Well! you said was tight as the barl
of tree !"
Walter could not deny this, SO John pro
ceeded.
"1 refused to join you in your little gam
for three reasons, either one OF which shoul
have been sufficient to deter me: First,
had resolved not to engage in any sue
games of hazard second, did not wan
sny grog and third, could not have afford
ed 10 pay for FIVE extra suppers il the lot ha
fallen upon me-"
"Couldn't have afforded it :" repeate
Walter, with a slight tinge OF unbelef in hi
tone.
, "No," returned the other, II could moi
> I used to be always ready for any such game
} aud thought 'twould be mean TO refuse
} but have learned better. Let me tell yo
how first came to see the folly Of bein
afraid to spend my money for nothing.
Shall tell you O.
"Certainly," returned Walter, who alread
began to see something. ..
"WelI, pursued Niles, tone noon as I wa
going away from home, my wife asked m
for five shllings. She wanted to buy som
cloth with it. ] asked her if she could nc
. get along without it. l had only fiftee
| shiIings with me, and hated to let one {
them 60. She said she really needed tn
cloth. but If I hadn't got the money to spare
l she could wait. I knew she was disappoin
I ed, but I thought she could get along, and
went away. That evening went into th
saloon, and we had a fine social time.
I cost me just seven.and.six.pence. pal
the money willingly, without even though
of objection, and then went home. Whe
I entered the hall heard my wife trying I
pacify our eldest child. The little thing ha
expected new dress, which had been pre-
missed her, and she ielt badly because sh
+ had not got it. ...... .,......