The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-09-18

should be loser in this case, for had
he not declined to resign the case to DIR.
Pembroke, who had offered his services
gratis? So after much consultation it
was decided that committee should be
appointed to receive subscriptions, and
expend the money in any way which
they might Judge to be for the benefit of
the family. Fifty dollars were raised
on the spot, and the worthy villagers
went to their own homes well satisfied
with the result of the meeting.
The committee were men OF business,
and two or three days passed before
they were at leisure to attend to the
duty which had devolved upon them.
Butatlength they fixed upon an evening,
and agreed TO meet at neighbor Whit
mans and ascertain from him what was
most needed.
They found him comfortably seated in
his armchair, with the youngest OF his
children climbing on his knee. lie gave
his neighbors cordial welcome, and
appeared so cheerful and contented that
they hardly knew how to speak of the
errand upon which they came.
At length after few preliminary
efforts, such as clearing the throat, polk
ing the fire, etc., Squire Benton, who
was as usual foreman ON the committee,
remarked that he was glad to see neigh
Dor Whitman so smart once more, and
supposed he would soon be at work
again.
every soon, I hope" was the reply.
"I am out of the doctors hands at last.
He gave me my discharge yesterday"
"And round bin with it, I'll war
rant" exclaimed the three committee
men in breath.
Neighbor Whitman smiled with very
meaning look as he quietly replied, He
did, indeed.
81 knew he would. | always said as
much" cried Squire Benton, almost ex
ultingly. "a mean piece of business
it was, and what no gentleman would
have been guilty of. Excuse me, Mr..
Whitman, but if | had been In your
place | would have sent him marching
quick enough.
CT might have been loser, Squire. I"
"Not in my opinion. DR.. Pembroke
would have done better for you than
that young upstart. But as to his bill.
Plain speaking is best, neighbor. AT
vestry meeting the other evening, we
raised fifty dollars for your benefit, and
we are prepared to expend it for you in
any way you see fit, always excepting
paying the doctors bill. That we must
absolutely decline having anything to do
with.
"It is not desirable that you should, !"
replied neighbor Whitman, again
smiling. Seriously, gentlemen, / am
exceedingly grateful for the kindness
which has been shown me, but l would
not willingly take what might perhaps
| be better bestowed upon those more
needy than myself. L have just receiv-
ed little gift which will enable me to
purchase what comforts are really nee
essary until L can go to work.
Indeed ~ was the somewhat disap-
pointed replyof the astonished auditors.
"You are fortunate, certainly +; but your
doctors bill, how will you settle that ?"
go, the gift disposes of that for me.
Read this note, gentlemen, and you will
understand the whole affair"
AS he spoke he handed them neatly
folded envelope, containing the follow
ing note:
"MY DEAR SIR Il am happy to say
that it will no longer be necessary for
me to visit you as medical adviser. AS
a friend / trust you will continue to well
come me at your fireside. You have re-
quested me to hand you your bill. The
inclosed is the only bill which could
conscientiously offer you. Accept it as
freely as it is given, thanking Provi-
dence who enables us to be mediums of
good TO one another.
Very truly yours, f. LANSING.
"This is the bill inclosed, continued
Mr.. Whitman, producing bank note
for fifty dollars You see, therefore,
that l am we'll provided for the present,
as your kindness when L was first in
lured has prevented my running in
debt
For some minutes the committee
made no reply. The doctors bill" had
turned out so differently from what
they expected that they were quite dumb
with establishment.
AT length, however, Squire Benton
stammered out that he was quite sure
the neighbors would insist upon Mr..
Whitman's keeping what had been con-
tributed for him, and there would be
ways enough to spend it in his large
family. AS to the doctor, he was free
to say that he had been mistaken in
him, and for one he would bear witness
that he had behaved handsomely, as be-
came gentleman. The three visitors
then babe neighbor Whitman good
evening and took their leave. The news
spread through the village in the usu-
ally rapid manner. The miller ground
it i'll his mill, the blacksmith hammered
it at his anvil DIR. Pembroke left off
Struggling, and the minister looked full
at DIR. Lansing as he pronounced the
text &C He that giveth to the poor lend
eth to the Lord"