Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1878-03-28
"Put Yoursclfin My Tlacc.n

"Put YOursc1fial My HDlacc.o
81 cannot wait any longer. I must have
my money, and if you cannot pay it must
foreolose the mortgage and sell tho place."
said Mr.. Merton.
"ln that casc,' said Mr.. Bishop, "it WILL
OF course, BIO sold at great sacrifice, and
after all tho struggles | have made, my
family will again be homeless. 1t is hard.
' only wish you had to earn your money as
do mine; you might then know some
thing of the hard life of poor man. If
you could only, in Imagination, put your.
} self in my ploce; think you would have
llttlo mercy on me-"
"lt is useless talking; I extended this
ono year, aud l can do SO no longer" replied
MIR. Merton, as he turned to his desk aud
continued writing.
Ihe poor man rose from his seat'snnd
walked y1: sadly out Of Mr..eMpd7fton's MI. M71t' oaioo.
Ills last BOP. Ssfaon gone. He had just
1e55vsTsd from q long illness which had
swallowed up the means with which he had
intended to mako the last payment on bis
house. True, Mr.. Merton had waited one
year when he had failed to meet the
demand, owing to illness in his family, and
he had felt very much Obliged to him for
doing 80: This year he had been laid up
for seven months, during which time lie
could earn nothing, and all his savings were
then needed for the support of his family.
Again he failed; and now ho would again
he homeless, and have to begin the world
salcw. Had Heaven forsakcn him, and
MHcn him over to the tender mercics of the
&&tcked2
lAfter he had left the office, Mr.. Merton
asSould not drivo away from. his thoughts the
gave uttcrance, I wish you had to earn your
money as do mine"
In tho midst of row of figures, "Put
yourself in my place" intrudcd.
Once after it had crossed his mind, he
laid down his pen, saying, "Wcll, think
should find it rather hard. l have mind
to drop in there this afternoon and see how
it fares with his family; that man has
aroused my curiosity"
About five o'clock he put on gray wig
and somo old cast of clothes and walked to
the door. Mrs. Bishop, pale weary look
ing woman, opened it, Tho poor old man
requested permission to enter and rest
awhile, saying he was very tired with his
long journey, for he had walked many miles
that day.
Mrs. Bishop cordially invited him in
and gave him tho best seat tho room af-
forded; sho then began to mako preparation
for tea.
Tho old gentleman watched her attcn
lively. He saw there was no elasticity in
her step, no hopo in her movements, and
pity for her began to steal into his heart.
When her husband entered, her features
relaxed into smile, and she forced q
chcerfulness into her manner. The traveller
noted it all, and he was forced to admire
this woman who could assume cheerful.
ness sho did not feel for her husbands sake
After tho tablo was prepared, thero was
nothing on it but bread and butter and tea
They invited the stranger to eat with them,
saying, "Wo have not much to offer you,
but cup Of tea will refresh you after your
long journey"
He accepted their hospitality, and as
: thcy discussed the frugal meal, led them
without seeming to do SO, to talk of their
affairs.
II bought this pioco of land" said Mr..
Bishop, "ata very low price, and instead
OF WaltlnH, as 0uGnt 10 nave donc, untli }
saved tho money to build, thought would
borrow few hundred dollars. The interest
on the money would not be near as much
\ as the rent was paying, and would be
saving somoting by it, did not think
there would be any difficulty in paying back
tho money; but tho first year my wife and
ono of my children were i'll, and the expense
left mo without means to pay tho debt.
Mr.. Merton agreed to wait another year if
/ would pay tho interest, which | did.
This year was for seven months unable
to work at my trade and earn anything, and
of course when pay day comes round-and
that will bo very soon--I shall bo unable
a't staiS. i be 'Sss demand" -
."s',a,a 49, y "n y ~, Htrangor, twill not Mr..
i'ou'to ~ 'o6. oS6G.iner year, if you mako all
Sg known to him." sg