The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1879-11-25
81 am" said Paul surprised at the
.ok -

mans manner. "Do you wish to see
me for anything importsnt2" ?"
Well" said the stranger coolly,
"that according to what light you view
ut in, You see," he went on, selecting
several slips of paper from bis book, 81
have here several little bills against the
late Mr. Johnson, your wife's former
husband" -
against Mr.. Johnsonw exclsimed
Mrs. Carter incredulopsly. "Ypu must
be mistaken; Mr. Johnson left no bills
unpaid at his DEATH"
"P'r'aps you think so," said the man
mvsteriously, "but you're wrong; Mr.
johnson was an uncommon sly fox, and
I reckon you don't know all of his af-
fairs - -...'.---.
"What do you mean p asked Mrs
Carter, looking as if she was about to
burst into tears.
"This bill," said the man slowly, dis.
Iregardingth interruption, sis for cigars
brandy, ETC., furnished to the deceased >
"Mr. Johnson never smoked or drank,
said the relict OF the late lamented, frm.
ly.
"Ten pounds" continued the relent
less Stranger. "This is for carriage hire
tor self and friends during the two
months prior to his decease. Twenty
1.-TWO pounds; this is for dinner giver
Ihy Mr.. Johnson to party Of hi:
friends"
Mrs Carter looked aghast during this
revelation while Paul stared helplessly q
the man as be continued to draw forit
bill after bill
"Good gracicusw he exclaimed, al
the ,hirteenth bill was laid on the table
before him ''you surely don't expect
| me to pay for all this"
1 "Well, l rather thought" exclaimed
1.-THE man quietly, "tbat you would prefer
Ito pay these bills and avoid scandal"
/ "But / won'lw said Paul exciiedly.-
1"I'm not going to ruin myself TO pay The
debts of a miserable, hypocri,ical spend
Thrift" .s.,..s.t
"Just as you please" said the man
Icoolly gathering up the bills and placing
them in his hook. "We'll see about that
| / dare say there's plenty more coming
bills, mean. Johnson was gay man
l can tell Sou"
"a CAV man, repeated Mrs. Carter,
wonderingly.
j well, well. I am sorry to press
these little things, but when people dance
they must paw the piper, you know"
"Mary." said Paul, when the man had
gone, "what do you think of that pars-
goneof yours nowT'
Mary s answer was torrent of tears
Her idol bad been rudely shattered tc
atoms. and she iell like ship adrift.
"And I suppose I'll have to pay these
bills," said Paul gloomilv, "eyen if We
have to live on bread and water for {
year."
"what's the matter now, Paul?" ask
ed Carroll anxiousIy, as his friend stroll
ed into his room with very downcas
visage.
In reply Paul told him about John
sons peridy.
Chow does Mrs. Carter take it ?" ask
ed Maurice grinning.
"Very hard" cried Paul gloomily. :"
don't think I'll hear much in the prais,
i of the late husband hereaft err
81 shouldn't think So" said Mauric'
Laughing
sits great relief" said Paul, "bu
at heavy cost.
"Oh, if that's all that troubles you,
said Maurice smiling, II can relieve ynt
of Jour anxiety. Behold the bills 7
aud be thrust q bundle OF papers intt
Paul's hand. m
# ".Why. how did you become possessed
of them p asked Paul wonderinely.
"Well, the fact is," admitted Maurice
III wrote them" @
j "You?"
Yes, /. al sent the man-one Of m,
friends-with them. The fact is. / mad
up that plan. The bills are false, ant
Johnson, ] don't believe, owes any maj
a shilling"
i "Maurice Carroll" said Paul sternly
saint you ashamed OF yourselfY Yo'
ough to be! However, | forgive you
| l won't have to pay those bills"
4 "Don't tell your wife," said Mauric
pleadingly, for nv sake and your own
Let her believe that you compromised
the matter. Come in month and repor
| proceedings"
i A month passed and Paul met hi
friend again.
J, "Well," said Maurice; 81 never sa'
| you look better"
81 "Thanks to your .stratseem." replies
Pau. lyon no, only'curcd my wife 0
quoting her first, but have made her fec
greater respect and consideration for he
second husband"