The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1870-11-15
A Debtor Cornered.

Loomis stole on the "Statute of Limi-
tations." Lie was the factotum of
Guys, Neck. He did miscellaneous
business us carpenter, cow.doctor, cof.
Misunderstanding t. his other func-
tions that of undertaking to The eoun.
ty 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 in Guys Neck. /
verify believe he would, if possible,
have put u creditor off till the Last
Judgment, aud then, on the score of
being busy day, have begged him to
wait till tomorrow.
Greg had wheedled Lie with prom
ises till the latter's claim was OUTLAW
ed" Losing patience at last, Lie
took his account over to the Squire's,
when to his 10 small discontinue, he
learned that unless he could get a new
promise from his debtor, with u wit
ness to it, he might whistle for his bill.
Such fellows as Greg always know Il
good deal of law, especially the sharp
of it. Greg would talk as freely, and
as full of promises as ever when he
and Lie were alone, but before others
would either evade the subject, or else
remain provokingly mum.
One day Lie drove up to Greg's
door with his old gray mare and spring
wagon, a plain pine cofIin-one of
those hat-topped affairs deemed good
enough for poor folks-being behind
the seat.
"Mornin, neighbor," said Lie.
"Same to you" "~aid Greg, "goin' tn
plant a pauper, see." !
"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 MORN fair" said
Greg, ,"seein' how long he's lived on the
charity of this"
"Would you mind gettin' in and
comm along neighbor?" said Lie; sit
is 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 grare occasion.
81 'spose you haven't forgot that
little bill o mine?" Lie at last took
the liberty to hint.
Not by no Means" said Greg.
Lets see, now-how much did you
say it was? l misremember rightly"
Even sixty-nine dollars, besides
seven years interest"
"Quite right" Greg assented; 81
recollect 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
Monday-week do?"
"To dot" answered Lie.
I'll send it round,' said Greg.
a curious sound came from the cof-
fin. The ghost of a chuckle, Durdles
would have called it. Greg gave one
jump and "Hf' in an adjacent COW
pasture. Looking back he saw Lies
prentice, the most mischevous imp in
Guys Neck, but with plenty ofseuse
aud lawful age to be a witness, sitting
up i'll the coffin and laughing like
mad
Greg took in the situation at a
glance. He had been duped into com.
miting himself before a witness.
'It's dirty nasty, mean trick!" he
exclaimed.
"What is 2" said Lie.
"Why, trifin' with body's feelin'i
about old Boke, maxim b'lieve he'l
deadp
"An' so he is" said Lie, "only
was goin' arter the body, insLid o
fetchen' it away"
Greg turned off in disgust, Lie
bawling after him:
"Don't forget Monday-weok, anC
p'r'aps it'll save both of us som,
trouble"
Greg didn't forget, but has nevel
more than half enjoyed himself at {
funeral since.
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