The local pawnbroker's shop was on fire, and among the crowd of spectators was an old woman who attracted much attention by her sobs and cries of despair.
"What is the matter with you?" a fireman said. "You don't own the shop, do you?"
"No," she wailed, "but my old man's suit is pawned there, and he don't know it."
CASH
We cannot deny that one of the great questions of the day among tradespeople is how to get their bills paid. Neither can we deny that we have all been over-extravagant. This little story (which is really a satire) contains its moral.
One bright morning Mr. Dobson, an American gentleman in excellent circumstances, and yet (quite singular to relate of any American gentleman!) constantly harried by his bills, conceived of a brilliant idea. Thereupon he said to Mrs. Dobson:
"My dear, let us pay cash for one day."
"How absurd!"
"It may seem so, but you must admit that it is a brand-new idea, and therefore worth while for you, as a modern woman, to try."
This was the only possible way in which the astute Mr. Dobson could have persuaded his wife to try his ideas. They both agreed, and he gave her a hundred dollars in bright, new bills. Taking the same amount himself, he began his day.