The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1875-02-12
SELECT STORY.
SERVING THE WRIT.

cold winter morning, ard the Squire was
vainly trying to comprehend a pile of
law books. These books had been left
by opposing attorneys in some case tried
before him, and from the CAGES therein
cited he was expected to make up his de-
cisiou. Had it been any other question
geography, astronomy, mechanics, or
what not-the Squire would have set
tied il at once. He had the most
thorough confidence in the ability of
Butterfeld to settle anything, but now
he was perplexed. The more he studied,
the more he became convinced that the
plaintiff had all the law on his side; and
so had the defendant; and that both
sides had amply proved their case. In
this bewildering state of mind he con-
cluded 20 take sort of middle course,
at once satisfactory to himself if to no
one else, and he had just written upon
his docket, Cease diemissed for want
of jurisdiction, when the tall, thin,
imbre figure of NJ. GrimP appeared in
the doorway.
Now Mr.. Grimp was an awfully solemn
man. Arrayed in the blacklist of broad
cloths, the siffest of neckties, the whitest
of shirt fronts and standing collars, with
features cold, austere, and severely seri-
Gus, Mr.. Grimp somehow ever suggested
unpleasant thoughts of funerals, grave
clothes and coffins. He was a very re-
ligious man, too-very. In prayer meet
ing, class meeting, and on other occa-
sions, his monotonous, sepulchral, me-
tallic voice was frequently heard speak
ing of the "shortness of life," the Seer
tainty of DEATH" and about becoming
food for the worms" and such other
cheerful subjects. Cold and passionless
himself, he had no mercy for the weak
ness or frailty ofhis fellow, exacting the
most formal raligious observance in
others, and the last penny due him by
his debtors. And he was rich.
"I have called, Brother Butterfeld, "
began Mr.. Grimp in slow measured
tones-"I have called to see you about a
little matter that has been on my mind
for some time; matter hesitated bring
ing before the courts, as think the Scrip
tural rule should be generally followed
about going to law before the unjust,
and
"Humphw And the Squire straight
ened himself on his chair and ran his
individual hair stood out brlstling pro-
test. al reckon ! amt bit more un-
just than any on 'em. If you're hintin'
that way, why in Sam Hill didn't We
take your case afore some spiritooal
court, and done with it?'
Mr.. Grimp colored slightly. 81 think
you misunderstood me, Brother Butter
field; I only used the expression in a
general sense, without allusion to you,
whom l know to be a man with clear
ideas of justice, or else the community
had not placed you in so responsible a
position"
The Squire's testiness at once disap-
peared, the smile came back, and he bow
ed in complacent acqu;escence.
''But to return to my business" con-
tinued Mr.. Grimp. You doubtless
know Mrs. Barney?"
"What, Widow Barney?" and the
complacent look Immediately gave place
to an unusual flush on the questioner's
face.
"Yes; believe she is widow. Her
husband-poor man-became somewhat
involved before he died; but may we
hope in better world he has discovered
the things of earth to be but vanity and
vexation of spirit. Like US all, Brother
Butterfeld, he brought nothing into the
ing out"
IL s'pose not, as you got the hull ont, u
answered the Squire, altogether misin-
terpreting Mr.. Grimp's moralizing.
"Aheml All, yes! I presume you al
lude to the foreclosing of a mortgage
held on his place. twas truly unpleas.
ant for me to do it, but duty to my chill.
dren, so lately deprived of a mother, i'm
PEELED me. AS the Scripture says, ii
any provide not for his own, especially
for those of his own home, he hath de
MED the faith and is worse than an in.
fdel."
"Better had some keer for other folks
ophans an WE'LL" muttered the Squire
but Mr.. Grimp did not hear, and pro
ceeded:
"WclI, at the sale of Mr.. Barney's place
bought it in, and since then have le
Mrs. Barney have it at nominal rent
at mere nominal rent, assure you
Brother Butterfeld. And it is abou
that have called"
"The long and short ont is she hahn
paid the rent and you want her pu
out?"
"Well-yes and no. wish steps ia
| ken in that direction, but not to ex
tremes. / would like process issued
but have final measure kept in allegiance
as think the matter may be amicabl,
arranged"
THAT is, you want some scarecrow Il
hold over her to bring her to terms?
suggested the Squire, looking keenl.
at his visitor.
Mr.. Grimp nodded. "You will at
tened to it, Brother Butterfeld?" h
said.
"I'll tend to it," said the Squire.
Then Mr.. Grimp bowed solemnly
said Farewell, Brother Butterfeld,
and passed out into the sunshine-hi
figure almost too thin and dried up t
cast shadow in the bright sunlight, ye
sufficient to cast moral shadow and un
happiness over homes and lives aroun
and about him.
For a moment following Mr.. Grimp'
departure the Squire's face was full G
conflicting emotions. He arose from hi
chair, and his small boot-heels clattere
on the Office floor as he paced hurriedl
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