Mr. A—— was a man whom I had known for years. I cannot tell how hurt and indignant I was at such language. He took my paper, knowing the terms upon which it was published, and when I sent my bill, refused to comply with the terms, and insulted me into the bargain. I turned to his name on the subscription-book, and striking it off, said—
"He can't have the paper."
"Credit Mr. B—— with six months and discontinue," said the collector, as he passed to the next name on his list. Mr. B—— was a man whom I knew very well by reputation. I had looked upon him as one of my best subscribers. He was a merchant in easy circumstances.
"Why does he wish it stopped?" I asked.
"He says he merely took the paper by way of encouraging the enterprise, and never supposed he would be called upon to pay for it. He told Mr. J——, who asked him to subscribe, that he had more papers now than he wanted, and Mr. J—— said, No matter. He would have it sent to him by way of adding another respectable name to the list."
"Very well," said I, as I entered the name of Mr. B—— in the cash-book, "pass on."
This went fairly ahead of any thing I had ever dreamed of. I was too much surprised even to make a remark on the subject.
"Mr. C—— was as mad as a March hare when I presented his bill."
"Indeed! Why?"
"He paid your agent when he subscribed!"