Year: 1878

Jones' | have no doubt whatever that ne
would storm fort as bravely as he boarded
wreck"


NEVER INDORSE.


shall not soon forget the family Of Israel
Day, who lived neighbor to my father when
I was boy. Mr.. Day was working out as a
laborer, and he had large family dependent
upon his earnings for support, and sometimes,
in our neighborhood, it was difficult to find
employment The family was poor, and the
strictest economy had to be practiced to fur.
nish the bare necessities of life.


often wondered how it happened that such
man as Mr.. Day should be so poor. He
had no Incorporate or extravagant habits,
and was a man of more than common educa-
ton, and there was an air of intelligence and
refinement about the entire family, that COM
manded the respect of their neighbors. Mr..
Day was industrious, but always seemed to
nae man who had no ambition in lite, and
who expected and desired no. more than
mere subsistence for his family. No one in
the neighborhood knew anything of his histo-
ry. The family had come from another State
few years previous, and while polite and
friendly, they were very uncommunicative as
to their former life, and there was something
about them that forbade inquisitiveness.


was at this time sixteen years old, and on
very intimate terms with Mr.. Days family.
At the time Of my story, he was helping my
father on the farm, for a few days, and board
ing with us. One day, when we came home
from our forenoon work, we found Squire
Black was to take dinner with us, and as he
was reputed to be the wealthiest man in the
township, we felt quite honored. He was
very genial man and an excellent talker, and
had an adroit way of fattering and making
every one feel easy in his company.


On this occasion he made himself very
agreeable. He praised the neat appearance Of
the farm and buildings, complimented mother
on her good cooking, called me fine, manly
fellow, gave some small change to the chill
dren, and, by the time dinner was over, had
gained the goodwill of the entire family.


After dinner, Mr.. Black asked to see the
stock, and examine the arrangement Of the
barn and outbuildings; and, as father took
pride in having good, wellfed stock, and one
of the most conveniently arranged barns in
the country, he was glad to show him around
and was much pleased with the hearty COM
mendation which M. Black bestowed upon
them. .....


He finally made known the object of his
visit He had found piece of very desirable
property for sale low, 30 that there was no
question that within less than a year he could
clear several thousand dollars on it; but he
must pay all cash down, and he lacked two
thousand dollars of having money enough to
pay for it. He wished father to become secu-
rity for him for one year, as he had found
party who was willing to lend him the amount
if his signature could be had to the note.


He did not give father time to think, or
scarcely to answer his question but took out
his pocket-book and handed him paper, sup
posing it to be the note which hehad drawn
up, and signed by himself, all ready for faith
er's signature. l verify relieve, if the paper
had been what Squire Black thoughtit to be,
father could not have refused to sign it; but
it so happened that he had made mistake
and left the note at home, and had substituted
another paper for it.


AshaCe of vexation passed over the 'Squire's
face when he discovered the mistake, but he
at once recovered his good humor, and said,
"Never mind will call again this evening""
aud hastily mounted his horse and rode
away.


Father looked troubled, and turning to me
said II do not like to endorse for any one,
but Squire Black will be insulted if l should
refuse and as he is rich, I suppose there can
be no risk about it. 1t is only complying
with legal form, and suppose l shall be
obliged to do it; but wish be had not asked
me to do it,"


Before could reply, the barn door opened,
and Mr.. Day came out. He was pale and
deeply agitated, and when he spoke, should
not have recognized his voice. Calling my
father by name, he said II believe that you
are in danger, and if you will listen to me, l
will give you chapter from my own history,
that I never intended should be known to any
in this neighborhood."


Father motioned for me to leave, thinking
that Mr.. Day wished to speak to him alone.
He noticed it, however, and said: mo, let
him stay, for one cannot learn too soon, the
lesson that my experience teaches. | would
be willing that it should be published to the
world, if thereby, some could be saved from
my bitter experience. | overheard as you
know, what Squire Black said to you. Listen
to my story, and then decide as to whether
you will put your name on his note.


Fifteen years ago, when was married, l
was not the poor man that you now know me
to be. Ny father gave me, as my share of his
property, two thousand dollars, which | had
increased to three, and my wife receiving, as
her wedding portion, one thousand dollars.
We were both strong and willing to work, and
ambitious to succeed in the world, and we
bought good farm, running in debt a few
hundred dollars. For several years we we're
greatly prospered. We had good health and
the seasons were favorable, 30 that we grew
heavy crops, and obtained very fair prices for
them.


cat the end Of FIVE years we had paid off
our debt and had nearly one thousand dollars
in bank, and we felt that we would be safe to
build a new house, although we expected to
put more than the amount of money on hand
into it.


"In the meantime, there had come into the
neighborhood one of the most companionable
men ever met. He was Familiarity known
as Captain Cole. He had been lawyer, but
had been appointed by the general govern
ment to lucrative office, which he held for
some years, and had the reputation of being
very wealthy. He lived in good style, and
was general favorite in all the community.


"When my house was finished, found my
self in debt seven hundred dollars, and as I
had given the contract to carpenter, he to
furnish everything, he needed all the money.
l went to the bank to borrow the amount
until I could find some one who would let me
have it for one or two years ; and not being
annnstnme cd to horrnw monev II did not orcur