Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-02-04
SERVING THE WRIT.
BY ERsKINE M. HAMILTON.

BY ERsKINE M. HAMILTON.
The small, dapper figure of Squire But
.orfeld was seated in his Office one cold
Inter morning, and the Squire was
,ra;nlv irving to comprehend pile oflaw
,ooks. These books had been left by OPP
rosinp attorneys in some case tried be-
Fore him, and from the cases therein cited
he was expected to make up his decision.
Had il been any other question-geogra-
INV astronomy, mechanics, or what
ppot-the Squire would have settled it at
nnca He had the most thorough conf
Jsnce in the ability of Squire Butter
field to settle anything, but now he was
-arnlexed. The more he studied the
More he became convinced that the
nIaintiff had all the law on his side; and
81 had the defendant; and that both sides
nod amply proved their case. In this be-
,r;lderinp state of mind he concluded to
take sort of middle course, at once sat
;sfactory to himself if to no one else, and
he had lust written upon his docket,
lease dismissed for want jurisdiction"
when the tall, thin, somber figure of Mr.
Grimm appeared in the doorway.
Now Mr.. Grimp was an awfully sol
emn man. Arrayed in the blacklist of
hroadcloths, the stiffest of neckties, the
whitest of shirt fronts and standing col
srs with features cold, austere and Sc
yereiy serious, Mr.. Grimp somehow ever
SUGGESTED unpleasant thoughts of
fnnerals. grave clothes and collins. He
was professedly very religious man,
too-yery. In prayer-meeting, class
meeting and on other occasions his
monotonous, sepulchral, metallic voice
was frequently heard speaking of the
"shortness of life," the certainty OF
death" and about becoming food for
the worms" and such other cheerful
subjects. Cold and passionless himself
he had no mercy tor the weakness or
frailty of his fellow, exacting the most
formal religious observance in others,
and the last penny due him by his debt
ors. And he was rich.
~ have called, Brother Butterfield, y
began Mr. Grimp in slow, measured tones
al have called to see you about little
matter that has been on my mind fol
some time; matter hesitated bringing
before the courts, as | think the Scrip
ture rule should be generally followed
about going to law before the unjust,
and"
"Humphl" And the Squire straight
ened himself on his chair and ran hi
hand through his thin locks until cacf
individual hair stood out a bristling pro
test. 81 reckon amt a bit more unjus
than any on EN-. If you're hintin' tina
way, why in Sam Hill didn't we take you
case aforc some spiritooal court an done
with it 2"
Mr.. Grimp colored slightly. Il thinl
YOU misunderstood me, Brother Butter
field; only used the expression in
general sense, without allusion to you
whom know to be a man with clea
ideas of justice, or else the coMgible a
had not placed you in 80 -
position" 80 testiness at once disap
poafed, The smile came back, and hi
bowed in complacent acquiescence.
But to return to my business" con
tinued Mr.. Grimp. "You doubtless know
Mrs. Barneyf"
"What Widow BarneyS" and the com
placent look instantly gave place to al
unusual flush on the questioner's face.
"Yes; believe she is widow. He
husband-poor man-became somewhat
involved before he died; but may w
hope in better world he has discovered
the things Of earth to be but vanity ant
vexation Of spirit. Like US all, Brother
Butterfeld, he brought nothing into th'
world, and it is certain he carried moth
ing out"
Il s'pose not, as you got the hull ont,
answered the Squire, although misinler
preting Mr.. Grimp's moralizing.
"Ahemi All, yes! l presume yol
allude to the foreclosing of g mortgage
held on his place. 1t was truly unpleas
ant for me 10 do, but duty to my chill
dren, so lately deprived of mother, i'm
PEELED me- As the Scripture says: !
any provide not for his own, especial.
for those of his own house, he hath denle'
the faith aud is worse than an infidel.
Better had some keer for other folks
orphans as WE'LL muttercd the Squire
but Mr. Grimp did not hear, and pre-
ceeded:
well, at the sale of Mr.. Barney
place bought il in, and since then hav
let Mrs. Barney have it at nominal rem
at mere nominal rent, | assure you
Brother Butterfeld. And il is, about tina
have called"
The long and short ont is, she hahn
paid the rent and you want her put QUIT
Well--yes and no. l wish steps takel
SoNs nitNtiohy put NV W S<AsN
wo lid like process issued, but have ma
measures kept In abey vance, as think In
matter may be amicably arranged.
That is, you want some scarecroW =
hold over her to bring her to termss
suggested the Squire, looking keenly a
his visitor.
Mr.. Grimp nodded. "You will atten'
ioit, Brother Buuerfield?' he said.
I'll tend to it," said the Squire. ;,
Then Mr.. Grimp bowed solemnly, san
Farwell, Brother Buitertield, an
passed out into the sunsh, ne-his ngur
almost too thin and dried up to cast
shadow in the bright sunlight, yet sum
Client TO cast moral shadow and unhappi
ness over homes and lives around an
about him.
For moment following MIR. Grimp'
deDarture the 'Squire's face was fuil .
conflicting emotions. He arose from hi
chair, and his small boot heels clattere'
on the Office floor as he paced hurriedi
70 and fro.
The old skinfint!" he muttereo