Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1869-12-30
THE QUEER CUSTOMER.
A CHRISTMAS STORY.

IN shabby little shop in shabby little
street. man sat stitching away as if for
dear life, by the light of a single candle.
The name of John Todd was over the
door, and John Todd himself it was who
sat upon the shopboard, keeping time to
MS nimble needle with an occasional
snatch of song. If there had been a
song Cf the trowsers, as well as of the
shirt, he might with great propriety have
sung that, for it was on pair OF those
garments that he was employed. As it
vas, however, he did not contine himself
10 any one particular melody, but sang
verse of one and then verse of another,
as the fancy took him. immediately
above him hung disreputable-looking
old blackbird in wicker cage who lis
tened to the performance with an air of
grave attention, as one who was qualified
to he critical, and occasionally gave an
encouraging chirp of applause. The
ringer was a merry little man, no longer
young, but still 1.-THE and active; with
twinkling gray eyes and a CHEEKY smile
which it was pleasant to look upon.
On the present occasion he had just
got through "Jock O Hazeldean," and
The Blanks of Allen Water (Which the
blaekbird applauded immensely, and had
begun Mary of Argyle" when the shop
door suddenly opened, and pulled him up
short in the very middle of very effect
i've shake. The person who entered was
short, stout individual with his hat very
far back on his head, pen behind his ear,
and a parchment notebook in his
hand NJ fI/I
well, Mr.. Todd said he, showing the
while the end of stumpy pencil; ready
for me | suppose
The little tailor's cheerful countenance
fell, as he replied
@I'm very sorry Mr.. Sprague, but I'm
the fact isl can't say | am quite ready
to.night."
Then, why the dooce amt you
ready:" amiably inquired Mr.. Sprague,
tapping the floor viciously with his fat
cotton umbrella "You're aweer, | sup
pose, that to-morrow's Christmas. day ;
and you're also aweer that to avoid un-
pleasantness at a gay and festive season, |
collects the rents the night before. Then
Why amt you readyg"
~ tCll yOu bllt tlutli, OIL, odies oohi
humbly, Give had disappointment this
uorning-a little account | was to re-
eeive--"
"Yah~ said Mr. Sprague savage,
iy. "That makes five on 'em, all
been disappointed of little &C
count Gammonl Now look here, Mr..
Todd. This is Toosday. I'm man OF
my word, and If the rent amt ready Thurs,
day, brokers is the word. I've had trouble
enough with you, and amt goin' to, no
ionger. So now you've got It,
I'll do my endeavors, Mr.. Sprague,
said John Todd humbly But which
way am to turn to find the money, the
Lord only knows"
You'll turn out, Mr.. Todd, If you don't
ind it, And with coarse laugh at his
own wit, Mr.. Sprague departed
Poor Todd looked much depressed.
After few minutes he unconsciously
commenced "The harp that once through
Fans halls but the attempt was fail
1re. Even the backbird turned his back
IN disgust, and after few bars John gave
II mp, and stitched away in sorrowful
silence. He might have remained so for
perhaps half an hour, when the door
again opened, and little old lady in a
black bonnet and cloak, and basket on
her arm, and mutf nearly as large as
herself, peeped in.
Do intrude, Mr. Todd? ALI quite
by yourself Dear meln
Yes, Miss Pinnifer, for want of better
company,-quite by myself"
Ye-es!" said Mss Pinnifer. "And
Feiy busy | see. Always busy Goat,
presumes"
No, ma'am, trousers" said John Todd.
oh |" said Miss Pinnifer, with little
S7eam, and covering her eyes with her