The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1871-09-29
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ADEBTOR CORNERED

Very adroit was the march that
Lie Loomis stole on the "Stat-
ute of Limitations" Lie was
the factotum of Guys Neck. Heidi
miscellaneous business as carpen-
ter, cow doctor, coffin maker--ad-
ding to his other functions that of
undertaking to the County Poor
House. He was withal, an easy,
good-natured fellow, free to trust
and q Iaost indulgent creditor.
Among the others whom Lie had
trusted 10 his cost, was Greg Grimes
without exception the greatest prom
ise maker and breaker in Guys
Neck. I verify believe he would, if
possible, have put creditor off till
the last judgement and then on the
score OF being busy day, have beg
ged him to wait till tomorrow.
Greg had wheedled Lie with prom
ises till the latter's claim was "out-
lawed." Losing patience at last,
Lie took bis account over to the
Squire's, when, to his discontinue,
he learned that unless he could get O
new promise from his debtor, with a
witness to it, he might whistle for
his bill. Such fellows as Greg al
ways know a good deal of law, espe-
cially the sharp points 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 eyade the subject, or else re-
main proyokingly mum.
One day Lie drove up to Greg's
door with his old gray mare and
spring wagon, plain pine coffin
one of those fiat topped affairs deem
ed good enough for poor folks-be
ing behind the seat.
"Mornin' neighbor," said Lie.
"Same to you" said Greg, "going
to plant pauper, i see"
'.Y-a-a-s; old Boke took rather
suddent leave last night, and went to
try the charity of an other world"
(Which is no morn fair" said
Greg "seein' how he's lived ON the
charity of this"
Would you mind gettin' in and
comm along, neighbour" said Lie;
''it's mighty dull goin' to o funeral
all alone by ones self"
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 grave" occa-
sion.
81 'spose you haven't forgot that
little bill of miner" Lie at last took
the liberty to hint.
"No, by no MEANS" said Greg.
"Let's see, now-how much did you
say it was? I do not remember
rightly"
Even sixty-nine dollars, besides
seven years interest"
"Quite right" Greg assented, ST
recollect now"
"Ef IFS at all inconvenient to pay
it," said Lie, "don't put yourself out
on my account"
"I've been threating to pay it for a
month back" said Greg; "but the
times hev been tight, and-an' how
would Monday week do?'
ITO a dot, answered Lie.
81 will send it around to you, said
Greg.
a curious sound came from the
coffin. The chuckle of ghost, Dur
dies would have called it. Greg
gave q jump and 'lit' in an adjacent
cow pasture. Looking back he saw
Lies apprentice, the most mischiev-
GUS 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 COM
mitting himself before witness.
"It's dirty, nasty, mean trick!
"What is it?" said Lie.
"Why, trifin' with bodys feelin's
bout old Boke maxim believe he's
deadP'
Sand SO he is" said Lie, "Only I
was goin' after the boldly, instid of
fetchin' it away"
Greg turned off in disgust, Lie
bawling after him:
"Don't forget Monday week, and
p'r'aps it'll cave both of us some
trouble"
Greg didn't forget, but has never
more than half enjoyed himself at .
funeral since.