Smyrna times., 1882-03-15


wasn't. But this constant dunning is hard
to bear He knows, as we'll as l do, that
he will get his money as soon as l can
possibly earn it,;
" No, John; not as we'll as you dc" said
the wife mildly. "He cannot see your
thoughts
There was brief silence.
Have you ever seen Mr. Gilbert.
John?" inquired Mrs. Horner.
"No. But
The tailor hesitated. lie saw what was
in the mind of Iris wife, and itlt Is force.
Don't you think it would be better ,n
see him and explain just how it is with yen :?
| don't believe he would give you any
trouble, if you were to do so. There is no
telling what kind of message his clerk
takes to him. If he gives simply your
words to-day, Mr.. Gilbert will be angry
and there is no knowing what he might be
tempted to do"
Il don't want to see him,'' replied
Horner. Il can't bear to look into mans
face if owe him money"
The wife sighed, but did not answer.
Both remained silent for some time. His
own mind soon suggested all that his wife
wished, but hesitated to say 1t was quite
right for him to see the grocer, explain to
him fully his position, and, after assuring
him Of his inteRtion to pay every dollar OF
the debt ask of him liberal extension o
time.
"Ill see him. he said, at length, paus
ing suddenly in his work, and getting
down from his shop board. In a little
while he was ready to go ont, when he
started forth to see his creditor.
In the meantime. Gilbert had kept OF
his way toward the magistrate, fully re
solved to hand his debtor over to the ten
der mercies of the law. He was within {
few doors of the office when he met :
friend.
Whats the matter?" inquired thi.
individual. You look as if you were
going to sue somebody
Just what | am about doing rrplie,
the grocer.
"Ah, indeed? Who is the hard cas-,
that requires such stringent measure 2
HorEer. the tailor You know him.
believe ?"
YES very well. But you are no
going to sue him."
Indeed | am"
How much does he owe you?"
Sixty odd dollars"
"I'd think twice before | troubled poo
Horner," said the other, shaking bis head
He seads me only insulting answers,
replied Gilbert. I've dunned him unit
I'm tired"
Perhaps you have dunned him to-
hard. He is sensitivtaend irritable"
No; I've only sent three or four times
This morning he sent for answer that h
would p;y when he was ready, and no
before"
And, On the spur of the moment, VOL
have determined to put the account int
the sheriff7s hands?''
81 have"
Too hasty, friend Gilbert. In all mat
ters of this kind it is better to think twice
Remember that Horner has had sicknes
and death in his family. These, l knoV
have thrown him back, Here lies tn
cause of his slowness in paying But
surely, these things entitle him to consid
Grafton. He is honest; / am certain {
this"
Il didn't think about his sickness an
the loss of his child" said Gilbert, in
modified tone. But this is no justifics
tiOn for the rude, unsatisfactory answer
he sent to my applications for money"
OF course not. But every man cannC
at all times, control his feelings. A
honest mind often feels a quick sense
Indignation when a demand is made ft
a debt where present inability to pa
exists. This is no doubt, the case wit
Horner. Honest in his intentions, he fe
your repeated applications as questiOnin
imputation with becoming patience"
The two men separated. Gilbert ha
thought twice; and, instead of going I
the magistrates Office, returned to h
store. There, little to his surprise,
found the tailor awaiting him. They m
with some reserve and embarrassment
But Horner said, in moment or two, al
in subdued voice:
am sorry, Mr.. Gilbert, to have keI
you out of your money so long; Rothil
has prevented me paying you but my in
bility. have had sickness and troubl
or it would not now be with me as it is.
felt worried when your clerk called to-ds
and sent you an improper message. L
, me recall that. And now, will tell W
the best 1 can do. Ifyou will take fro
me five dollars month, until the who
bill is settled, will faithfully pay "
that much, and more if possible"
Perfectly satisfactory" replied Gilbe
in voice so cordial that it sent the blot
: bounding through the veins of the unha
py tailor. eff you had only made ii
proposition before, it would have be-
cheerfully accepted"
: When the two men separated, each W
wiser and each felt happier. The tail
4 kept his engagement, and the grocer II
I only received his money, but retained
g good customer. So much for sob
second thought.
l. Lives of great men always remind
81