The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-08-13
A Novel Way to Pay a Debt.
BY sreNoR BItrz.


MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, was a
1xI large town and every person seemed
engaged in some mercantile, or mechanic
al pursuit. AS in all large cities, there
were many very sick persons, and much
larger number of persons miserably poor
and distressed. The following case Of pov-
erty came under my observation. IT, ..-a
One day my attention was directed to a
shop of rather humble appearance, from
the circumstance of seeing the owner of it
always sitting at his work and a group of
pretty, happy children playing about the
floor, who from the dark color of their
dresses, were evidently motherless. dis
covered from the sign over the door that
the poor tradesman was named John Penny,
and that he exercised the art and craft of
boot and shoe making. He was tall and
combed straight down his cheeks; his coun-
tenance was thoughtful, not to say serious,
but there was an air of meek resignation
about him very touching; found it impos-
sible to resist giving poor Penny turn, and
improve my understanding" at the same
time, by ordering a pair of boots. The
humble tradesman gratefully acknowledged
the order, and promised to execute it as
soon as possible.
81 will leave you half a sovereign as de-
posit, only have them done as soon as posi-
BILE" said l.
To my surprise John Penny refused to
take my advance.
cit will be time to pay when you get the
boots, said he, significantly
Twas perplexed, and after much pressing,
he finally divulged to me that owing to sick
ness and misfortune, he was behind on his
rent.
"Why, how much do you owe P' in
quired.
"I am now nearly three quarters in ar
rears; it will soon be upwards of thirty
pounds.
"Who is your landlord?"
"Why, Squire Summer
"Will not he give you time? ?'
"He has been very patient; Icannot COM
plain of himi but he is a man of business
man of money. The last timo he was
here he said he should call once more, and
then, if the money was not forthcoming,
the law must take its course. expected
him yesterday, and"
"Eh, mercy, man ! what's the matter
with you ?" said. "You tremble."
eyes, see he is coming; he has that
fellow Broadman the broker with him.
looked out and saw, indeed: the squire,
his footman, and very shabby, suspicious
looking man, apparently an employee of the
broker. had scarcely time to cast rapid
glance around the scantily furnished shop,
and call my thoughts together, ere, the
party were at the door, and had entered
"Let them come" cried Penny, with an
air of despairing resignation. ~ have
struggled, Heaven knows, as long as was
able, and can do no more" ' age
"Wel, Nj. Penny" observed the squire,
leisurely advancing to the counter 'you
know of course the cause of my visit?'
Here huge, staring poll-parrot, sitting
in it's cage, which formed one of the few ar
tcles of furniture in The shop, began to
whistle "Call again tomorrow !" to tho as
tonishment of all present, excepting myself,
which she followed up by, 81 know
bank" The squire, however, resumed
"You are of course provided, Mr. PEN
ny?"
"Alas ! no, SIR" said The poor tradesman
at is useless to deceive you further. can
not pay you at this moment, nor do know
how soon can; take my little property;
let it pay so far as it will; will do tlie best
can. Providence will not forsake me.
whats the timer" interrupted The par
rot; "polly wants her breakfast" !" ------.
The children, who had by this time stolen
silently in, anxious to know what was going
on, were as much surprised as their father
at polly's sudden loquacity; their little
round eyes dilated with wonder and twink
led with delight; but the awful presence of
the great man somewhat repressed them.
WE'LL" continued the prudent man Of
cotton, after short pause, " if that's the
case, ! may as well have the things as any
body else. John Broadman, you will do
what is necessary"
"Polly polly polly ~ here exclaimed
poll ta
"That's fine Bird" remarked the
squire, his attention being attracted to it.
81 must leave q man in possession, " said
the broker; but before go. may as we'll
make out the inventory, for suppose there