The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1874-12-31
81 thought so, frankly responded the

O-A
v'Iou Gil, ha." His manner little
nettlea.
'Of course. What else would mar
| your happiness to- day-a man with such
| a dear, good lit lie. wife, and so many
sweet children as you have?'
s.What Az 20 do?" asked Ellis, break
ing down.
7sDo? Why, have no bills On New
Years Day
''Easier said than done .
ssOf course it is; but that is no reason
why 1t cannot be DONE
CT should like to know the remedy, :"
said Ellis
s'It is very SIMPLE said the neighbor.
Ellis looked at him inquiringly.
ssAlways pay for what buy at the time
you get it,
"Easi!y enough said; but, suppose
you haven't the money in hand?"
'sIhen don't buy
'sNot bread and meat for your chill
dren -
The neighbor turned and looked at
Ellis from head to foot, with an express
sion of countenance that had in it sur
prise, reproof and just q little contempt.
'.W hat is your income q year % h
asked, in quiet, repressed way.
'sAbout two thousand five hundred
dollars, take one year with another, was
replied.
'.Humph A fair show for bread and
| meat at least, one would think.
| ssBut bread and meat aren't all, y
answered Ellis, putting himself on the
| defensive.
ssNo; but they represent our necesi-
ties, which usually do not cost half as
much as our super-fiuities. Here is
where the pinch comes. It for the
things they might do without that men
are troubled with bills at New Years"
''Not my case" said Ellis, rallying a
little. 81 have 8. grocer's bill and q
butchers bill; shomaker's and tailor's
| bill; doctors bill and a"
'.But where have your two thousand
five hundred dollars gone" interrupted
the neighbor, ''and these bills not set
tied before o.
This threw Mr.. Ellis mind into con-
fusion. He could not give prompt
answer to the question.
Chow much rent do you pay?' asked
the neigbor.
'sSix hundred dollars, replied Ellis.
'sCan you afford to pay so much?"
enc
'.Then why DO you pay it:''
because can't get house to suit
me for any less
''Suit you T. exclaimed the neighbor,
shaking his head. "Ah, my good friend,
[ see where the trouble lies. It is what
s1lits-what is desired-and not what
can be afforded that governs you in e1-
penditure. No man who lives by this
rule can hope.for anything but the wor-
~ and humiliation of debt.
(Which I have to my heart content, :"
said Ellis, bitterly. ''And, struggle as
coils.
Don't say SO. You may if you will. "
eff you Will show me the way out of
this dreadful state of affairs, I viii hold
you as my truest friend.
The neighbor was silent for some
moments.
care you really in earnest?' he asked
at length.
'NeYer more SO in my life replied
Ellis.
CIVIL you lay before me full state
ment of your affairs?''
eyes. %
'sAnd then follow strictly the line of
action [ demonstrate to your reason as
the only one that will lead you out of
this labyrinth of trouble in which you
are involved %
81 will.
s'Come to my house this evening""
said the neighbor. Bring with you
statement, as near as you can make it
out, of ali you owe, and the longest
time you can get for its full payment.
We viii then look the matter sauarely
in the face, and see what can be done"
The list of unsettled accounts brought
in by Mr.. Ellis was long and discour-
aging one, amounting in all to over if
teen hundred dollars.
CT am ashamed to make this exhibit
tion,' ihe said, in a choking voice, and
with a look of humiliation.
The neiehbor went over the list in a
quiet, business way, ticking on various
items with his pencil. He then made q
list of these items. and, footing up the