The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1909-12-15
HOW THE PAWNSHOP
WAS DISPOSED Or
nx rhEREsA 6. hoLr.

The town Of Fl bad always main
tanned au excellent reputation. The
men were honorable. the women vir-
tuous. There had never been any dis
turbing element to change these con-
iltions But one day over vacant
shop appeared sign OF three gIded
balls, and later the place was occu-
pied by Abraham Moses. pawn
broker. From that rime change
gradually came over the place Those
who had desired TO enter upon ex-
penses which they could not afford
found that all they had to do was 10
go TO Moses with a watch. a ring a
brooch or some other article OF value
and the funds were forthcoming
Eventually meeting OF women
was called at the house Of Mrs
Mathews. a sturdy matron. who saved
every penny. 10 consider the cause
and means OF graduating the evil,
When they had assembled Mrs Math-
ews herself made few remarks TO
them. taking the ground that the ex-
travagance and reckiessness were due
solely to the pawnbroker Then came
debate upon how to get rid Of
Moses but It lasted an hour without
the proposal Of any feasible means.
Miss Virginia Twining. young lady
Of partg-~her father was a lawyer
then announced thar she would put IN
practice plan she had conceived of
accomplishing the object All the as
sistance she wished WIS that one OF
their number would call at Moses Of
Zee at ten minutes after 3 the next
afternoon. Miss Twining was asked
TO state her plan. but she declined on
the ground that although the ladies'
presentwere especially secretive. some
one OF them might let out the secret
which would spoil her game. Most
Of those present went away In high
dudgeon that they could not be trust
ed and from those remaining Miss
Twining selected Mrs. Blackmore to
join her at the pawnshop.
At 3 O'Clock the next afternoon Miss
Twining entered Moses place TO find
him doing 10 the back room.
Good day, Mr.. Moses" she said. Il
have called 10 pay you the money you
loaned me some time ago"
The man came out into the front
shop. rubbing his eyes
What moneysy he asked.
why. have you forgotten7 With
such q memory you are dangerous
man to be lending people money
The Jew got down a record book
and searched the pages. II don't ind
IT, he said.
cit makes no difference to me
whether you find Il or not. owe you
s12. and shall pay II to you"
Il lend you twelve toIlaryT inquired
the man. looking over pair OF gold
trimmed glasses.
Certainly
At that moment Mrs. Blackmore
came into the shop
AIRS. Blaekmore. said Miss Twin.
ing. Il am glad yea came in. Mr..
Moses Il very forgetfnl Some time
ago be loaned me $l2 and has forgot
ten IT. Nov I am about 10 pay him
the principal and interest. wish you
10 see me do II SO that II be forgeta
the payment you may give your testi-
mony that have made It.
II shall be very glad to do So" said |
Mrs. BlackmOre
well. veil" said the Jew as be
eiutchsd the money, "the peoples OF
this town are more honest than any I |
have ever struck. Il hat forgotten all |
aloud It.
Mrs Biackmore. TO make an excuse
for calling. asked for the rates for
lending, then, at a glance from Miss
Twining. turned 10 leave the shop.
Wait a moment" said the latter,
eth receive my pledge. and win sc |
with you"
your pletgew exclaimed the Jew.
You left no pletge with me-"
We'll. upon my word! Left nc
pledge What have you done with my
watch?"
II hat not got your watch"
After arguments and examinations
Miss Twining and her friend left /
the shop angrily and. going 10 the
courthouse. lodged a complaint against
the pawnbroker. The case was tried
before a justice, who. after hearing a
statement which Miss Twining gener-
ously left to the broker, ordered his
stock Of watches to be brought and
asked Miss Twining TO select her
watch. She chose very valuable one
which she was sure did not belong to
any one In H. The Jew howled and
wrung bis bands. declaring that the
watch had been pawned By man who
had died without redeeming 1t.
did you lend this lady money!
Il did"
And without piedgeT
There vas no pIetgc, your honor"
Have you a Witness the Justice
asked Miss Twining. ''that you paid
the loan7"
Mrs. Blackmore testified that she
saw the money paid SIP. besides inter-
est at rs per cent.
Twenty-Five per cent?! exclaimed
the judge. That's illegal interest.
Three months for swIndlIng and one
more for usury."
Before Mr.. Moses was sent TO jall
Miss Twining's father saw him and ar
ranged not only to return the watch.
but get suspension of sentence. with
q nolle prosequl II be would promise to
leave the town.
The ladies' OF Fl. were astonished at