Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1878-06-27
THE MAN IN POSSESSION.

4AA VuAN AN n OoNA4oCAO~NSN
81 won't pay a farthing-no that l
won't-not if have to 60 to prison for
itr'and down comes my fathers clench-
ed hand on to the table with such a
thump that it makes the reels in my
basket jump as If suddenly attacked with
St. Vitus's dance.
Yesterday my father had made his
first acquaintance with the County Court
having been summoned by tradesman
for the balance of an account which my
father had declined to pay, as he
firmly believed it to be gross over
charge; but facts went against him, and
he was ordered - to pay. My
father vowed that he would do no such
thing. He called the judgment "iniquit.
Gus and one-sided," and ultimately ex-
pressed his determination to emulate
dear cid Mr. PickWick, and 60 to prison
IF necessary, rather than submit to such
an injustice. 1900
"But, father" ask, in an awe-struck
tone, what will they do if you don't pay?
Shall! we all have to go to prisonG"
mo, my DEAR" replies MY father
calming down mot exactly. The court
will issue what is called an execution,
and try TO put man in possession; but I
think I shall prove more than match for
County Court bailiIf."
Father smiles while saying this, as ifthe
latter person weIe very contemplate
and Insignificant thing. 80
''Ext cution.' sMana. in possesssonI p
What do they mean? l am afraid to ask
my father, he looks so cross, SO go on
quietly with my work, waiting until the
.frown, pail have left his BROW.
IN ary,n at last exclaims' my father, II
have to go to Bardmoor, and l was think
ing that 1t might de a wise thing to con-
suit young Barton; he has just come from
a large Office In London tohelp his uncle.
I don't know much about him, but old
Barton has always been considered a
good lawyer, and perhaps the nephew
mat be following in his uncle's steps. At
any rate, I will make the the at:emp, and
see if he can't save me from this atrocious
swindle. 4 wrote yesterday, asking him
local here, if passing, as l wapted to
see him about those leases; but suppose
he has been too busy, or perhaps my let
ter has not reached him."
lESTMv fathar does not volunteer more in
formation, so wish him goodnight y
and retire to rest, to dream of executions
at Newgate, and that the murderers ex-
plating their crimes are the "men in pos
session."
z The next morning, on coming down to
breakfast, I find that my father has start
ed by the early train for Bardmoor, and
has left positive orders that during his
absence the gate is to be kept locked
any no oneadmitted under any pretence
whatever a a-E
but tell me why, Jane2" l asked oul
old cook, who had been with US longer
than I can remember, and to whom the
orders have been given.
"To keep out the bailiffs, miss" re-
plies Jane. IS Not that it will be any
good, for they are as sharp as needles
and nothing can keep 'em out if they've
mind to get i'm
What is an execution, or man il
possessionH" ask. did you ever sex
.one9"
s'Only one. miss, and that was quite
enough. A bail:f is the man in poses
--sina, AID when he or his men get int
house they sell all the furniture ant
every thing they can lay their hands or
and that is what they call an execu
ton"
81 r"But, Jane,'' argue, eff we keep tn,
doors locked, how can they get in9''7
"Lor, miss answers Jane, g'syou dom
know how artful they are If they wan
to get into house very much, they will
disguise themselves like play actors do
I remember when my Uncle John haG
the bailiffs in. He had kept them on
for nigh three weeks, when one day al
old cart broke down just outside his door
and the driver was thrown off his sea
and fell into the road, where he lay as i
he was too much hurt to move. Uncl
SOS, had a kind heart, so he ran into the roat
and helped the driver on to his feet. %
gfOans the man. Come in and rest bit
says uncle, tand let's see where you ar
: hurt and with that he helps him to linn
{ into the house. Sit down and rest your
self-make yourself at home;' and uncl
3 brings out his own armchair. = Thankee
i 1will,' grinned the old rascal. piumDin,
his ugly self into the chair. I'm tn
man in, posession.' says he, and pulls tn
warrent out of his pocket; so fork Out
NY SOOu Odu1dI1tldu9 VI CloC SCI1 CfCA
blessed stick you've got"
I And so Jane raftles on with anecdote
ofthe sharpness and scrupulcusness of me
in possession, until l begin to regar'
them as something more than mortal
After the bealxlast things have been re
> moved, / perform my usual household
duties for / have been papa's house
keeper since dear mamma disd--an'
then, taking book with me, ! go on th
veranda to have quiet read befor
luncheon. The reading has not advances
ve,y tar when T am startled by an ag
gonized yelping and barking just outsid
the gate;
81 am sure that /, Tiny's bark" ] sa
to myself. !" She must have crept unde
the gate, and is now fighting with som
other dog. Naughty, quarrelsome Ittl
thing! She will be killedl''