Weekly Trinity journal., 1875-02-20
Weaverville, February 20, 1875,
SERVING THE WRIT.

The small dapper figure Of Squire But
terfed was seated in his office one cold
winter morning, and The Squire was vain
ly trying 10 comprehend pile Of law
books. These books had been let by op-
posing attorneys in some case tried be-
fore him, and from The cases therein cited
be was expected 10 make up bis decision.
Had / bee1 any other question-geogra
ply, astronomy, mechanics, or wha. no.
the Squire would have settled AZ once.
He had the most thorough confidence in
the ability o" Squire Dutterileld 20 settle
anything, but now he was perpleXed.- -
The more be studied che more he became
convinced that The plaintiff had all The
law on bis side and 20 had tbe defend
ant and that both of Them had amply
proved their case. In this bewildering
state of mind he concluded TO tai C 4 so'c
OF middle course, at once satisfactory to
himself if to no one else, and be had just
written upon his docket, case dismissed
for want Of jurisdiction" when tho tall,
thin, sombre figure of Mr.. Grimp appear
ed in the doorway.
Now Mr.. Grimp was an awfully sol
emn man. Arrayod in the blacklist OF
broadcloths, the stihcst of neckties, the
whitest of shrtfronts and standing col
lars, with features cold, austere, and So
vcroly serious, Mr.. Grimp somehow ever
suggested unpleasant thoughts of funer-
ais, graveclothes and collins. He was q
very religious man, too--very. In pray
or meeting, class meeting, and on other
occasions, his monotonous, sepulchral
metallic voice was frequently heard speak
ing Of the shortness of lifc," the Ger
tainty of DEATH" and about becoming
food for worms" and such other cheer
ful subjects. Cold and passionless him
self, he had no mercy for the weakness OF
frailty Of his fellow, cxacting the most
formal religious Observance in others, ard
the last penny due him by his debtors.-
And he was rich.
IuNC Cuilcu, DIOLllcT
began Mr.. Grimp, in slow, measured
tones" have called to see you about n
little matter that has been on my mind
for some time; matter l hesitated
bringing before the courts, as l think the
Scriptural rule should be generally fol-
lowed about going to law before the un-
just and"
" Humph !" and the Squire straight
encd hims elf on his chair and run his
hand through his thin locks until each
individual hair stood out bristling pro-
test. /" j reckon | amt bit more un-
just than any on 'em. If you're hintin'
that way, why in Sam Hill didn't ye take
your case afore some spiritooal court, and
done with it ?"
Mr.. Grimp colorcd slightly. 81 think
you misunderstood me Brother Butter
field L only used the expression in a
general sense, without alusion to you,
whom know to be q man with clear
ideas Of justice, or else the community
had y OF placed you in SO responsible a
position"
The Squire's testiness at once disap-
peared, The smile came back, and he
bowed n complacent acquiescencc.
I" But to return TO my BUSINESS" con-
tinucd Mr.. Grimp. g You doubtless
know Mrs. Barney 2"
" What, Widow Barney ?" and ihe
complacent lool- ;n mediaieIv gave place
to an r1usual dush on the questioner's
face.
Yes / believe she is a widow. Her
busband-poo" man-became sonewha.
involved before ne died, but may we
hope ia be..er wo d be has discovered
.he cbings Of earth 10 be Du. VANITY ald
ve.atio1 spirit. Like 10 all, Ero,her
ErtterGeld, he b'ough, ootb;ng 10 s;1e
wo Id, aod il is certain he carried moth
i1s out"
s'pose not, as you got the hull on't.'
answered The Squire, altogether misin-
terp 'eting NJ. Grimp's moralizing.
Ahem /. All, yes / presume you
allude TO The ;oreclosing of mortgage /
held on his place. II was truly unpleas-
ant sor me to Go Il, but duty 10 my chill
dreu, so lately deprived o. mother i'm
PEELED me. AS the Scripture saws, Il.
any provide not Cor his own, especially
for those of his own house, he hath de-
MED the faith, and is worse than an in
fidel."
" Better had some keer for other folks
orphans as WELL" muttered the Squire
but Mr.. Grimp did not hear, and pro-
ceeded
" Well, at the sale of Mr.. Barney's
place bought it in, and since then l
have let Mrs. Barney have it at nom
inal rent-at a mere nominal rent, | as
sure you, Brother Buttorfeld. And it's
about that I've called"
" The long and short ont is she hain't
paid the rent, and you want her put
out 2"
" Well-yes and no. wish steps TAX
en- in that direction, but not to extremes.
would like process issued, but final
measures kept in allegiance, as / think
the matter may be afnicably arranged"
That is Won want some scaracr,yv