The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-01-04

our friend, in playful, half-worried man
ner
You ought to see it, them" answered
the neighbor. If you don't kthere's some
thing wrong"
'Of course there is. In fact there's
always something wrong with me on New
Years Day."
bills - said the nelghbor, Struggling
his shoulders and arching his eyebrows
''Bills" aswered Ellis, modify.
Il thought so, frankly responded the
"You did, hal" His manner a little
nettled.
''Of course What else could mar your
happiness to day-a man with such a dear,
good little wife and so many sweet children
as you have?"
what am / to do?'' asked Ellis, break
ing down:
''D6? Why, have no bills on New Year
Day"
Easier said than done"
''Of course it is; but that is no reason
why it cannot be done"
Il should like to know the remedy,
said Ellis
1T is very simple" said the neighbor.
Ellis looked at him inquiringly.
Always pay for what you buy at the
time you get it.
Easily enough said; but suppose you
haven't the money in hand?"
Then don't buy"
Not bread and meat for your chill
dren?"
The neighbor turned and looked at Ellis
from head to foot with an expression Of
cOuntenance that had in it surprise, re
proof and just little contempt.
What is your income a year," he
asked, in quiet, repressed way
About $1,000. take one year with an
other" was replied.
"Humphl A fair show for bread and
meat, at least, one would think"
But bread and meat aren't all, an,
swered Ellis, putting himself on the de-
tensive.
NO. but they represent our necessl.
ties, which usually do not cost half as must
as our superfuities. Here is where the
pinch comes. 1t is for the things they
might do without that men are troubled
with bills at New Year s.
Not my case" said Ellis, rallying 9
little. Il have grocer's bill and a
butcher S bill; a shoemaker and tailor 5
| bill; doctor bill and Il"
But where have your 81. 500 gone" in
terrupted the neighbor, 'and these bills
not settled before?"
This threw MIR. Ellis's mind into con
fusion. He could not give a prompt an.
swer to the question
How much rent do you pay?' asked
the neighbor
six hundred dollars replied Ellis.
Can you afford to pay SO much?'
No"
Then Why DO you pay it?"
Because | cant get house to suit M
for any less
Suit you" exclaimed the neighbor
shaking his head. All my good friend
sec where the trouble lies. 1t is what
suits--what is desired-and not what cal
! be afforded that governs you in expendi
ture. No man who lives by this rule car
hope for anything but the worry and hu
initiation of debt
Which have to my hearts content,
said Ellis bitterly. And struggle as
will cannot free myself from lis coils"
Don't say that. You may if yo,
will
IF you will show me the way out o
this dreadful state of affairs | will hol
you as my truest friend.
The neighbor was silent for a fey
moments.
Are you really in earnest?" he aske
at length,
Never more SO in my lfe." rephe
Ellis.
'Will You lay before me azfnll statemcr
of your affairs
Yes"
Then follow strictly the line of action
demonstrate to your reason as the OIL
one that will lead you out Of this labyrint
OF trouble 10 which you are involyed?'
Il will
Come to my house this evening"" sal
. the neighbOr. Bring with you stat
ment, as near as you can make it out, {
all ycu owe, and the longest time you Ca
get for its full payment, We will the
: look the matter squarely in the face, ar
5 see what can be done"
a The list OF unsettled accounts brougl
in by Mr.. Ellis was long and discoura
y ing one, amounting in all to over $1,000
e Il am ashamed to make this exhibition
t he said in choking voice and with
look of humiliation.
S The neighbor went over the list in
$ quiet, business way, ticking off warrior
4 items with his pencil. He then made
list Of these items, and footing up Il
4 amount, said; These are the things tn
i you might have done without, aud y(
D see they nave cost you over $500"
v es s2e, answered Ellis, in a sui
' dued voice.
: And | think it may be safely assuu
9 ed, said the neighbor, taking your wa
n OF doing things, that you have let as niue
a run through your fingers in expenditur,
q of various kinds not absolutely demande
for health or comfort in your family"
t Mr.. Ellis assented,
1 Here, then, are between six and sevf
a hundred dollars in single year-near
Continued on third page
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= For Book BINDING or Ruling, 90