DETERMINED TO BE HONEST.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 548, 21 March 1876, Page 3

DETERMINED TO BE HONEST.

The other day (saysthe Detroit Free Press) a man with a gaunt look halted before an eating stand at the Central Market,_ and after a long survey of the viands he said to the woman:— 4 1 am a poor man, but I’ll be honest if I have to be buried in the pauper’s field. ’ 4 What’s the matter now V asked the woman, regarding him with suspicion. 4 No one saw me pick up a 20dol bill here by this stand early this morning, but as I said before, I’ll be honest.’ 4 A 20dol bill- pick up !’ she whispered, bringing a bland smile to her face. 4 I suppose,’ he continued 4 that some one passing along here could have dropped such a bill, but it seems more reasonable to think that the money was lost by you.’ 4 Don’t talk quite so loud,” she said, as she leaned over the stand, 4 You are an honest man, and I’ll have your name put in the papers, so that all may know it. I am a hard working widow, and if you hadn’t brought back that money, it would have gone hard with my children.’ , If I picks up money by a stand I always gives it up,’ he said as be sat down on one of the stools, 44 That’s right—that’s honest,’ she whispered. ■ ‘■Draw right up here and have some breakfast,’;

He needed no second invitation. The way he went for cold ham, fried sausage, biscuit and coffee was terrific to the woman. ‘ Yes—l—um —I—try—to—be —honest, he remarked between bites. * That’s right. If I found any money belonging to you I’d give it up, you bet. Have another cup of coffee ?’ * Don’t—care—fidoo,’ he said, as he jammed more ham in his mouth. Even courtships have an ending. The old chap finally began to breathe like a foundered horse, and pretty soon after that he rose from the table. ‘You are a good man to bring my lost money back,’ said the woman as she brushed away the crumbs. ‘Oh, I’m honest,’ he replied; * when I find any lost money I always give it up.’ _ ‘ Well, I’ll take it now, please,’ she said, as he began to button his overcoat. ‘ Take what ?’ he asked. ‘The lost money you found.’ ‘ I didn’t find any; I’ll be honest with you, however, if I do find any round here. ‘ You old liar ! Didn’t you say you found a 20dol bill here ?’

‘No, ma’am. I said that no one saw me pick up such a bill here.’ ‘ Pay me for those provisions,’ she yelled, clutching at his throat. ‘ I’ll be honest with you —I haven't a cent,, he replied, as he held her off. She tried to tip him over into a barrel of charcoal, but he broke loose, and before she recovered from her amazement he was a block away and galloping along like a stage horse.