The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1870-11-03
A DEBTOR CORNERED.

Very adroit was the march that Lie
Loomis stole on the Statute Of Limita-
tions. Lie was the factotum of Guy S
Neck. He did miscellaneous business
as carpenter, COW doctor, coffin-maker-
adding to his other functions that of I'M
dertasing to the County Poor House.
He was, withal. an easy, good natured
fellow, free to trust and most indulgent
creditor. Among the others whom Lie
had trusted to his cost was Greg Grimes,
without exception the greatest promise
maker and breaker of Guys Neck. I
verify believe he would, if possible, have
put creditor of till the last judgment,
and then, on the score of being busy
day, have begged him to wait till to NOR
row. Greg had wheedled Lie with prom
ises till the latter's claim was out-lawed.
Losing patience at last, Lie took his ac-
| count over to the Squire when, to his
no small discontinue, he learned that
| unless he could get new promise from
his debtor, with a witness to it, he might
whistle for his bill. Such fellows as Greg
always know good deal of law, espee-
tally thu sharp points of it. Greg would
talk as freely, and as full of promises as
ever, when he aud Lie were alone, but
before others would either evade the sub
Ject, or else remain provokingly mum.
One day Lie drove up to Greg's door
with his old gray mare and spring wagon,
plain pine cofin-one of those fat-top-
ped affairs deemed good enough for poor
folks-being behind the seat.
..Mornin' neighbor,'' said Lie.
Same to you, said Greg ''goin' to
plant pauper, [ see"
Il L IL
den leave, last night, and went to try the
charity of another world"
(which is no NOR n fair" said Greg,
seem how long he's lived On the char
ity of this"
Would you mind gettin' in and com
in along, neighbor ?" said Lie; sit S
mighty dull goin' to funeral all alone
by ones SELF"
Greg didn't mind, but straightway
mounted by Lies side.
The two chatted away after a sort, to
prove how cheerful good company can
render even grace occasion.
L 'spose you haven't forgot that little
bill o mine p Lie at last took the liberty
to hint.
Not by any MEANS" said Greg
Lets see, now-how much did you say
1t was? L misremember rightly"
Even sixty nine dollars, besides seven
years interest.
Quite right" Greg assented; II re-
collect now.
'Ef it S at all inconvenient to pay it, -
SAID Lie, don't put yourfelf out on no
account.
I've been threatenin' to pay it for a
month back said Greg; but times
hev bin tight, an'-.an' how would Mon
day week do?"
ITO dot, answered Lie.
"1'll send it round" said Greg.
A curious sound came from the coffin.
The ghost of a chuckle, DurdIes would
have called it. Greg gave one jump and
ut in an adjacent COW pasture. Look.
ing back he saw Lies prentice, the most
mlschievous imp in Guys Neck, but with
plenty of sense and lawful age to be a
witness, sitting up in the coffin and laugh.
ing like mad
| Greg took in the situation at a glance.
He had been duped into committing
| himself before witness.
'lts dirty, nasty, mean trick % he
exclaimed.
What is it?" said Lie.
why, trifiin' with a body's feelin's
about old Boke, maxim b'heye he's
An so he isl said Lie, "only I was
goln orter the buddy, instid of fetchin'
| it away"
Greg turned off in disgust, Lie bawline
! after him:
Don t forget Monday week, and p'r'aps
| 1t Il save both of US some trouble
Greg didn't forget, but has never more
| than half enjoyed himself at a funeral
since.