Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1885-07-08
DEBTOR AND CREDITOR.

Two men met in New York. They
we're merchants
''What do you think of Cartoons
affairs, Mr.. Elder?" asked one OF
them.
II think we shall have pretty fair
percentage. Don't you? 2"
Eyes, ii we wind him up''
THAT we shall do of course. Why
let him 60 on? 1t will take him two
or three years to get through, if at
ALL"
III he can get through in two or
three years, shall certainly be in ia
vor OF letting him go on. Times have
been rather hard and business dull
But everything looks encouraging
now"
Il don't believe in extensions, Mr..
Highland. The surest way when a
man gets into difficulties is to wind
himup, and secure what you can. Ten
chances to one if you let him go you
will lose every cent"
Il have granted extensions in sever
al instances, Mr.. Elder" replied his
companion, 'tand obtained, eventual
~, my whole claim, except in a single
case"
Its always a risk. l go by the
motto, a bird in the hand is worth
two in the bush,' =" returned Elder.
i am always ready to take what | can
to-day, and never trust to the NOR
row. That is my way CT doing bust
ness"
"But do you not think the debtor
entitled to some consideration? ?"
''How?" with a look ofsurprise
He is a man of like passions with
ourselves"
Il don't know that I understand
you exactly, Mr.. Highland"
''Mr. Carlton has domestic relations
as you and l."
Il never doubted it. But what Of
that %
If we break him up in business, the
evil will not visit him alone. Think
OF the sad effect upon his family"
In trade we never consider a mans
family relations"
But should we not, Mr.. Elder !?
Should we not regard the debtor as a
man ?"
''As a man who owes us, and is I'M
able to pay us what is due; but in no
other light, returned Mr.. Elder, with
a slight curl ofthe lip.
'sThere we differ widely"
And will continue to differ, / mag
inc. Good morning, Mr.. Highland"
The two men parted.
An hour previous, Mr.. Carlton,
about whom they had been convers-
ing, sat with his family, a wife and
three daughters, at the breakfast ia
BILE. He tried to converse in his usual
cheerful manner, but too heavy a
weight wasupon his heart Therehad
come a crisis in his affairs, which he
feared would not be passed without
ruin to himself. II the effects of his
misfortune would not reach beyond
his store and counting room; if upon
his lead alone would fall the fragments
of a broken fortune, he would not
have murmured. But the disaster
could not stop there; it would extend
even to the sanctuary of his home.
On the day previous he had called
on few of his creditors, and asked
for an extension If this were not
given him it would be impossible for
him to keep on longer than O. few
weeks. The spirit in which most of
the creditors had received the unex-
pected announcement that he was in
difficulties gave him little hope. He
was to have another interview with
them during the day. From that, as
it would exhibit the results Of night
reflection upon the minds of his cred
itors, he would be able to see clearly
his chances of being sustained in bust
ness. He awaited the hour with ner-
vous anxiety When it arrived, and
the few creditors called in had assem-
bled, he saw little in their faces to
give him hope. The first who spoke
out plainly was Mr. Elder.
II, gentlemen" he said, firmly, "am
opposed to all extensions. If a man
cannot pay as he goes, | think he had
better wind up"
'If all do not agree in this matter it
will be no use to attempt extending
Mr.. Cartons time, F" remarked one Of
the creditors, who thought and felt as
did Elder, buJ was not willing to come
out so plainly.
''That is very true" said a third
"A partial extension will be of no
use"
The heart of poor Mr.. Carlton al
most ceased to beat.
"Have you any objections to retir-
ing for a few moments?" said Mr..
Highland to the debtor.
II will withdraw, certainly" re-
turned Mr.. Carlton, and left the room.
"My own view, gentlemen" said Mr..