Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1874-09-17
JOSIAH TODD.
BY MRS. A. NJ. FREEMAN.

40 many cents.
Josiah Todd had made an investment
Sallic's fortune had been let down in a
shaft leading to well Of pure coal oil
and now it had come up magnanimously
having added 10 Itself a thousand fold.
Josiah Todd came into the house his
round, red face all aglow, his little eyes
shining happily.
"Sallie" he cried, excitedly, "Tve
been offered a hundred thousand for my
share in The Welt"
"A hundred thousand OH Josiah,
hope you have taken it,"
|" No Sallic; il is worth as much TO me
as TO any one. I've never been rich.
want TO learn how it will seem. 1t must
be mighty fine to be the biggest man in
the place. There's old Plum isn't bit
finer fellow than ] am; he's wonderfully
looked up to. And as for Mrs. Plum,
she's only shadow to you, Sallie and
their Matilda isn't near so hearty a
lookin' girl as our Polly"
Josiah Todd was small man--that is,
measuring only his length--but if one
attempted TO consider his breadth he
might be counted as modern Brobdig-
nag In fact he was staunch old
Knickcrbockcr, a genuine descendant Of
the worthy Aldermen who, Washington
Irving tells us, cut their garments into
stfips to measure the boundaries of their
land Josiah Todd could have encom.
passed respectable section.
Josiah went out into the street. He
threw his head back, placed his thumbs
in his pocket, tipped his hat little TO
one side, and prepared himself thorough
ly TO do justice TO his new importance.
But however much he had felt elated he
was scarcely prepared for the extra con.
descension with which he was greeted.
A little way from his own door he met
Lawyer Snibbs. Now SDibbs had often
met Todd and had always passed him in
differently, sometimes with little nod,
just the slightest, in fact; then again he
would walk by quickly, paying no more
attention TO Josiah than as though he had
not been directly in his way. You see,
Todd lived In n little wood. colored frame
"How do you do, Mr. Toddg" said
Snibbs, warmly, pulling off his black kid
and reaching forth his white hand.
"Quitc well, thank YOU" said Todd
delighted, and extending his little short,
brown hand.
"We must be ncighborly, Todd" said
Snibbs. "Tyc often wondered that your
family didn't call. / am sure our young
people would be delighted with each
other"
why" said Todd, stammcringly,
quite unprepared for this speech, and In
his ignorant simplicity, unable to detect
Ms iDsincerity, II am sure we have been
waiting for you. OF course Sallie would
be that glad to drink cup of tea with
Mrs. Snibbs, and as for Polly, the child
has wished so many times that she could
be near enough TO your stylish daughter
so that she might learn exactly how to
arrange her back hair You see, the rats
will show"
"Well, come in, Todd. Come in Let
AS be friendly" SO saying the lawyer
passed on.
Not so bad fellow, after ALL" re.
fiectcd Todd. "A very pleasant-spoken
man. Quite generous Of him To invite
us in. must speak TO Sallie. No doubt
IL Is our own fault that we haven't had
friends
A little further down the street Todd
met tie doctor OF the place.
How are you, Toddy' said Dr. Beck,
grasping 1odd's hand and shaking II as
warmly ~ though Todd had been the
grand Mogul himself. 81 hope You are
well. Is Mrs Todd thriyingY All Of the
little Todds liyelyY'
"Quitc well" answered Todd, rubbing
his little fat fingers together in ccstacy.
"Thats blessing, Todd. When u
man can point to so perfect family as
yours--can pronounce them physically
healthy, and morally whole--it is a posi-
tive proof that he himself has been an
Ia 4, Fat l,,.a l.,
fore him That's aristocracy, sirl That's
blood That's our nobilityp
81 didn't know" said Todd, reflective
ly, looking after the doctor, "that Beck
was so good natured fellow thought
him short and gruf, little kind of stuck
up, as though he was better than com
mon folks A pity that we amt any of
us sick, so that we could call him in
But Salle is so healthy, and the young
ones are like knots. But here comes
Plum. ! declare, If he isn't liftinghis hat
and bowling smiling even"
II was just thinking Of you, Todd.
The very man wanted to see. II was
only this morning that my wife gave me
instructions TO invite yourself and fam
lily TO the excursion. Only the first fam
lilies of the place are going. We've char
tered boat, and intend to have tip
top time. DO join US, and prevail upon
your amiable lady to make one OF the
party. Nothing will delight the young
people so much as to have your son and
daughter of the number"
THANK you'll thank you!" replied
Josiah, throwing back his head little
further and stepping proudcr as he
walked away.
When Todd went home that noon il
was with the firm determination TO rem
der his family worthy Of their llustrious
head. He carried with him the last
guide to etiquette, several fashion mag
azines, engaged dress,maker, rented a
brown stone front, gave II over. into the
hands of the upholsterer, and made
speedy preparations for immediate OK.
odus.
Sallie begged to be excused from join
ing the excursion, but as Plum had sent
the invitation Josiah could not permit 1t
to be declined. When the day came he
superintended the arrangements himself,
feeling assured that getting the feminine
portion Of his home off in style was the
most particular part of the whole affair
Josiah, junior, had been dressed by the
draper. His coat was black and shining
"a A.. lat u;Ily fur h;a uacf ushtta hsa