The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1876-11-23
SERVING THE WRIT.

cOlU MaTcn morning, anu the OQu1ro was
vainly trying to comprehend pile of Law
books. These books had been left by
opposing attorneys in some case tried
before him, and from the cases therein
cited he was expected to make up his
decision. Had it been any other ques
geography, astronomy, mechanics
OF what not-the Squire would have set
tied il at once. He had the most thor
ough confidence in the ability of Squire
Butterfield 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
50 had the defendant that both sides
amply proved their case. In this bewil-
sort of middle course, at once satisfac-
tory to himself if to no one else, and he
had just written upon his docket, cease
dismissed for want of jurisdiction, when
the tall, thin, sombre figure of Mr..
Grimp appeared in the doorway.
Now Mr.. Grimp was an awfully solemn
man. Arrayed in the blacklist of broad
cloths, the stifest of neckties, the whit
est of shirt fronts and standing collars,
with features cold and austere and even
severely serious, Mr.. Grimp somehow
ever suggested unpleasant thoughts of
funerals, grave clothes and coffins. He
was professedly a very religious man,
too-very. In prayer-meeting, class
meeting and other occasions, his monot-
onous, sepulchral, metallic voice was
frequently heard speaking of the short
ness of life, the certainty of death, and
about sfbecoming food for worms" and
other such cheerful subjects. Cold and
impassionate himself he lad no mercy
for the weakness OF frailty of his fell 1ws
exacting the most formal religious OBJ
servance in others, and the last penny
due him by his debtors. And he was a
rich man.
81 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 a matter l hesitated
bringing before the courts, as I think
the Scripture rule should be generally
followed about going to law before the
unjust, and"
"Humph! p and the Squire straight
ened himself in his chair, and ran his
hand through his thin locks until each
individual hair stood out bristling pro-
test. II reckon ain It bit more uniest
than any On 'em. Ii you're hintin' that
way, why in Sam Hill didn't ye take
your case afore some spiritooaI court an
done with it %
Mr.. Grimp colored slightly. ST think
you misunderstood me, Brother Butter
field I only used the expression in a
general sense, without allusion to you,
whom I know to be man with clear
ideas of justice, or else the community
had not placed you in so responsible a
position"
The Squire's testiness at one disap-
peared, the smile came back, and he
bowed with complacent acquiescence.
"But to return to my business, % con-
tinued Mr.. Grimp. "You doubtless
know Mrs. Barney ?''
'sWhat, Widow Barney?" and the COM
placent look instantly gave place to an
unusual flush on the questioner's face.
''Yes I believe she is widow. Her
husband-poor man-became somewhat
involved before he died !; but we hope in
better world he has discovered the
things of earth to be but vanity and vex-
alton of spirit. Like us all, Brother
Butterfeld, he brought nothing into the
world, and it is certain he carried no.
thing out
81 s'pose not, as you got the whole
ont" answered the Squire, although
misinterpreting Mr.. Grimp's moralizing.
"Ahem All, yes, I presume you al
lude to the foreclosure of a mortgage
held on his place. 1t was truly unpleas-
ant for me to do, but duty to my chill
dren, so lately deprived of mother, inn
PEELED me. As the Scripture says IF
any man provide not for his own, espe-
cially for those of his own house, he has
denied the faith, and is worse than an
infdel."
'.Better had some keer for other folks
orphans, as well,' muttered the Squire
but Mr.. Grimp did not hear, and pro-
ceeded =
s'Well, at the sale of Mr.. Barney s
place I bought it in, and since then I
have let Mrs. Barney have it at nomi-
nal rent-a mere nominal rent, L assure
you, Brother Butterfeld. And it is
about this that I have called
'.The long and short ont is, she hain't
paid the rent, and you want her put
Out2 3"
''Well-y-e-as, and no. I wish steps
taken in that direction, but not to ex-
tremes. I would like a process is ued,
but have final measures in obeyance, as
I think the matter may be amicably ar
ranged"
'sThat is, you want some scarecrow to
hold over her to bring her to terms %
suggested the Squire, looking keenly at
his visitor.
Mr.. Grimp nodded. s'You will attend
to it, Brother Butterfeld 2" he said.
s'I'll attend to it, said the Squire.
Then Mr.. Grimp, bowling solemnly.
said : ''Farewell, Brother Butterfeld, .
and passed out into sunshine, his figure
almost too thin and dried ND TO cast 8