The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-01-23

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every month. But knew II would be
useless to ask my grandfather to in
crease my allowance, for he considered
1t ample for my needs.
Zone day when in panville went to
a shoe store to buy pair of pumps,
for was going to party that evening
and my old ones were not presentable.
But MS entered the store suddenly re-
membered that II was almost the end
of the month, and had only dollar in
my pocketbook.
II hesitate2 moment before reply
ing to the clerks inquiry as to my
wants, for knew that If bought the
pumps they would have to be charged,
and had learned from my grandfather
TO have horror Of debt.
But the thought OF the shabby con-
dition of the old pumps decided me to
make the purchase, ind no comment
was made when. in low hurried voice,
said: Charge them as the package
was given into my hands. | was so
we'll known and my grandfather was so
highly respected that l could have OBJ
laincd credit at any store in the town
without the least difficulty.
The party was great success; but
l had never enjoyed myself so little,
Cor, whenever happened to glance at
my feet, | was reminded of that debt,
and the thought Of what my GRANDPA
ther would say If he learned Of it made
me, old as I WAS. turn fairly sick at
heart.
But as time passed my conscience
troubled me less, and | did not carry
out the determination | had formed
at the party TO pay for the pumps out
of my next allowance. / concluded
that it would do no harm, now that the
debt was contracted. to defer payment
until I could spare the money without
making any sacrifice.
"Not long after this. | needed pair
of boots, and. though had the money
to pay for them, had them charge d
t. my account, for had not enough 10
pay for the pumps also, ard was
ashamed to confess the fact
ITO the account, little later, were
added a pair of slippers and pair of
leather leggings, and, at the end of six
months. my debt was so large that the
idea of paying it out of my allowance
was ridiculous, and, as is generally the
case with people who get things on
credit, | was losing all sensitiveness
about it. My face did not flush when |
accidentally met the proprietor of the
shoe store. and on his asking me, one
day, when l could settle with him,
turned him off with joke.
But the day of reckoning was close
at hand. One morning in early sum-
mer, when sat at breakfast with nay
grandfather. old Pompey came in with
the mail.
"He always went to Danville for il
scme time during the forenoon, but. as
fate would have 1t, he had gone earlier
than usual this morning by severa
hours.
MY grandfather looked over the le;-
ters, and, selecting one on which was
a printed advertisement. handed it ovc:
TO me. At the same moment, he dis
missed the two servants from the room
Il have never forgotten how that en-
yelope looked. with Bailey & Co.. Fine
Boots and Shoes in big letters, in ore
corner; and | can see now the om:nous
frown on my grandfather's face.
"'What is that. sir?' he asked, in :
stern voice.
II knew perfectly well that it was 4
bill, and could not lie about it. So
remained silent.
| "'Hand it here. sir.' said my grand
father.
Il dared not disobey, and in less tim,
than it takes to tell it, my grandfathel
knew my secret.
"Never before had l seen him sc
angry. He denounced me as unworthy
to bear his name, and told me in thi
p,ainest possible language what h
thought of my conduct.
"'You contracted this debt, knowing
that you had no means of paying it, L'
said. You have taken this mans good
under false pretense. You have tradet
on my wel,-known integrity. You wer'
trusted because you are my grandson
But until that debt is paid through you
own endeavors, | refuse to recogn;z
you as in any way related TO me. io'
will keep your room in this house, IL !
SO pleases you; but our meals will b.
served at different hours
"And, without giving me a chance t
reply, he left the room.
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