Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-10-28

Very adroit was the march that Lie
LOomis stole on the Statute of Limita,
tions." Lie was the factotum of Guy &
Neck He did miscellaneous business
as carpenter, COW doctor, coffinmaker-
adding to his other functions that of un.
dertaking to the county Poor-house He
was, withal, an easy, good-natured fellow,
free to trust and a most indulgent cred
itor ~
Among the others whom Lie had
trusted to his cost was Greg Grimes,
without exception the greatest promise
maker and breaker in Guys Neck. |
verify believe he would, if possible, have
put creditor off till the Last Judgment,
and then, ON the score of being busy
day, have begged him to wait till to-
morrow. aa r.a.ai 9Hsu.
Greg had wheedled Lie with promises
till the latter's claim was outlawed ="
Losing patience at last, bije took his ac-
count over TO the Squire's, when, to his
no small discontinue, he learned that
unless he, could get new promise from
his debtor, with witness to it, he might
whistle for his bill. Such fellows as
Greg always know great deal of Law
especially the sharp points of it. Greg
would talk as freely, and as full of prom
ises as everwhen he and Lie were alone,
but before others would either evade the
subject, or else remain provokingly
mum. 8gls rf sadt bnn .ff y
One day Lie drove up to Gregs door
with his old gray mare and spring wagon,
plain pine cofiin-one of those fat
topped affairs deemed good enough for
poor folks-being behind the seat.
Mornin' neighbor," said Lie.
Same to you, said Greg; "goin' to
plant pauper, ksee. "
'Y-a-a-s; old Boke took rather sud-
dent leave last night, and went to try
the charity of another world"
Which is no more n fail" said Greg;
"seein' how long he's lived on the charity
Of this ' E.ia -
Would you mind gettin' in and comm
along, neighbour said Lie; its mighty
dull goin' to funeral all alone by ones
self. h"
Greg didn't mind, but straightway
mounted by Lies side.
The two chatted away, after sort, to
prove how cheerful good company can
render even graue occasion.
II spose you haven't forgot that little
bill o mine?" Lie at last took the lib
erty to hint.
mot by no means, said Greg. Lets
see, now-how much did you say it was ?
/ misremember rightly
Even sixty-nine dollars, besides seven
years interest"
"Quite right" Greg assented; II rec
ollect now.
"Ef it's at all inconvenient to pay it."
said Lie, don't you put yourself out on
no account"
I've been threatenin' to pay it for a
month back, said Greg; "but times
hev been tight, an'-an' how would Mon
day week dol'
"To dot, answered Lie.
" I'll send it round" said Greg.
A curious sound came from the coffin
The ghost of chuckle, Durdles would
have called it. Greg gave one jump, and
ut" in an adjacent COW pasture. Look
ing back he saw Lies prentice, the
most mischievous imp in Guys Neck,
but with plenty of sense and lawful age
to be witness, sitting up In the coffin
and laughing like mad!
Greg took in the situation at a glance.
He had been duped into committing him
self before q witness
" Its dirty, nasty, mean trickl" he
exclaimed.
"What is it?" said Lie.
" Why, triAin' with a body's feelins
about old Boke, maxim b'lieve he's
dead "
"An' so he is" said Lie, "only /
was going drter the buddy, instid Of
fetchin' it away"
Greg turned off in disgust, Lie bawl-
ing after him:
Don't forget Monday. week, and
p'r'aps it III save both ofu some troRble."
Gregg didn't forget, but has never more
than half enjoyed himself at a funeral
since. r.