Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-01-11
GAIN OR LOSS.

What did Mr.. Isett want? ?" asked Mrs.
Bell of her husband.
She had been watching the two men for
some time as they stood talking in front OF
their pretty dwelling, wondering what it
could be that interested them SO deeply.
Mr.. Isett had been urging something upon
her husband, which he had steadily refused;
though once or twice he seemed to hesitate
MIR. i>ett she thought unusually excited, if
not angry, when he left her husband and
walked away.
He wants to rent our new house and
store on the cornerof Elm and River streets,
and offers TO pay thousand dollars rent"
The face of Mrs. Bell flushed instantly,
and pleased hight came into her eyes.
"A thousand dollars ~ she exclaimed,
why, we've never thought Of over six
hundred. But" and her voice fell, ism t
it promised to Mr.. Edwards?'
Yes; and Mr.. Edwards must have it.
But not for six hundred dollars"
That is the rent | asked and for his
business it is all he can afford. Indeed six
hundred is good rent, and will pay hand
somely on the cost of this property.
Still, Henry, if we can get thousand,
We ought to have it. A thing is worth, you
know, what it will bring
"Isett 5 offer is great temptation, will
confess" said Mr. Bell. but I don't
want to rent the property. l don't like his
business"
oh, as to that" answered Mrs. Bell,
who had great desire to become well off
IN the world, we can't shut him up, do as
We will. Our place isn't the only one in
town. His business will go on just the
same, decide as We may. And [ don't see
that 1t can make much difference, whether
1t be carried on at the corner of Elm and
klVer street, or somewhere else
Maybe not, said the husband, begin
ming to waver in his good resolution now
that Mrs. Bell spoke SO decidedly in favor
OF renting the property to Mr.. Isett, who
wanted 1t for drinking and billiard saloon.
But, he added with something of regret
In his tones, Il am committed to Mr.. Ed
rard."
No lease has been signed" SAID the
wife.
Still, have passed my word to Mr..
Edwards that he should have the house
You must get out of it, said Mrs Bell
hrmly, I'VE cant afford to throw away
500 year
Mrs. Bell was resolute, and her husband
57eided. 1t is not usual for a woman to
take the wrong side in this way, but Mrs.
Bell i0ged money and the world. She wan
ted to get rich, and, we are sorry to say it,
didn care much how the riches came.
SO the house was rented to Mr.. Isett, who
% htted it up for a drinking saloon in very
attractive style. 1t of course became known
all over the town that Mr.. Bell had broken
hl' word to Mr.. Edward, the dry goods
merchant, and for an advance of 500, ren.
ted the new house for drinking and gam.
oIng den. As this house stood in the besl
portion of the town, people talked great
NeaI about 1t, and much feeling was excited
against the Bells after the saloon was open
ed
SAID plain speaking neighbor to Mrs
beIl-"YOu'll rue the day it was done, mint
1tell YOU"
There was something so earnest and pro
phetIc In the woman's voice, that Mrs. Be-
!elt strange uncomfortable feeling cree
into her heart.
People who dig pits for others, some
times fall into them themselves added th
neighbor.
Who's dug pit p asked Mrs. Bell
half angrily.
You and your husband, and it is at tn
corner OF Elm and River streets. A grea