Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1871-04-06
~ iseelI II E O Il s
A Newspaper Advertisement

Some years ago, Quaker Knight OF
the shears and thlmble, who exercised his
avocation in Canterbury, was imposed up
on by an adroit scoundrel, who contrived
to get suit Of clothes on credit, and after
wards de amped without paying for them.
The Quaker was too poor to lose the def t;
but like too many others of his cloth, he
had apparently 10 other alternative. The
account was placed upon his books, and
soon forgotten. About five years after
wards he was examining his old records OF
debt and credit, profit and loss, when his
attention was attracted to tbs account, and
all the circumstances attending it came
fresh to mind Suddenly an odd though
suggested ITSELF
'l'll try an experiment. said he to him
self; perhaps | may succeed in catching
the rogue and getting my pay
He Immediately prepared an advertise
mcnt. in substance as follows, which he
inserted 10 the Kent Herald -
If Mr.. Henry Weber, who was in
Canterbury about the mouth of August,
in the year 1852, will send bis address to
the editor of this paper, he will hear of
something to advantage
Having instructed the editor not to d is
| close his name to the rogue if he should
call. but to request the latter to leave his
address, the Quaker patiently awaited the
result Of his experiment. In short time
he was informed by note from the elito r
that the individual alluded to in the adj
vertisement. having arrived from London,
might be found at the Rose Hotel
The tailor lost no time in preparing a
transcript of his account, not forgetting to
arge interest from the time that the
debt was incurred. Taking bailiif with
him, who bore legal process suited to
the occasion. he soon arrived at the lodg-
ings of the swlnder The bailiff was
instructed to stand of at little dlstan ce
TIL signal should incicate the time for
| him to approach.
TIE Quaker now entered the coHee-room
aud rang the bel aud when the servant
appeared, requested him to inform the
gentleman of whom be was in search, that
friend wished to speak with him. The
waiter oheyed the summons, aud soon
both debtor and creditor looked each
other IN the face.
How siost thou do 2 kindly inquired
the Quaker. IN q bland tone. perhaps
thou dost not know me 2
i believe | have not had the pleasure
of your acquaintance, politely answered
our hero, with forced smile.
Dost thou remember purchasing a suit
of clothes severar years ago of a poor
tailor in this city, aud forgetting to pay
for them p asked the Quaker.
oh. no = said the gentleman, blashing
slightly; you must be mistaken in the
person. 1t cannot possibly be me that
you wished to fud'
But the Quaker was not to be shaken
off by this denial of his debtors identity.
All John know thee well. Thou
art the very man l wish to see. Thou
hast on at this moment the very waist
coat that made for thee Thou must
acknowledge it was of good stuff and well
made. OR it could not have lasted thee SO
long
oh, yes said the gentleman, appear
ing suddenly to recollect himself; L do
remember now the circumstances to which
you allude Yes, yes-I had intended to
call and settle that little bill before leav-
ing Canterbury, and you may depend on
my doing So have come here to take
possession OF large amount of property
which has fallen to me by WILL See
here is the advertisement which apprizes
me of my good fortune
Here he handed to the Quaker copy
of the paper containing the advertisement
whose history We have given above. The
Quaker looked at it with imperturbable
gravity, and continued. Yes, see thou
art in luck but as my demand is very
small one. think | must insist on pay
ment before thou comest in possession Of
thy large estates.
A tap al the window here brought the
county court baiitf into the presence OF
the parties. The swindler was particular.
ly astonishcd at the appearance Of thi.
functlonary, who immediately began e
execute his part OF the drama.
sWhat = exclaimed the rorua in ~
angry tone Won surely haven't sued me7
'Es5H have, re7lied the Quaker 'ant