DEBT COLLECTING EXTRAORDINARY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 45, 8 November 1890, Page 11

DEBT COLLECTING EXTRAORDINARY.

A bill standing for years with one Jones, a fashionable bootmaker. provoked the incensed creditor to call on Sheridan personally, determined to have his money. A loud knock at Sheridan s door was speedily answered by a demnre-looking footman, inquiring his business. • Your master, 1 must see him.' ‘ Sorry to say he is out. sir.' ‘ Won’t do tor me.' A push, and Jones was in the hall, with— ‘ Here I sit till he comes home.’ ‘ You can't stay here.’ ‘ Can't I ? You'll see. I'll sleep here : I'm a fixture.' L«md words passed and repassed, interrupted by Sheridan's bell.and his voice inquiring— ‘ What is all that uproar about. James ? Jones iloudly)— ‘ Boots, sir—-Jones of Bond Street :' Sheridan rushed out, seized both of his hands, exclaiming —‘ My dear Jones, how are you ? Delighted to see you.' To demure James -. ‘ How dared you detain my friend Jones in the hall? Walk in. pray." Arm and arm' Spider and Fly enter the pat lon r together. ‘ Chair. James.' They sit. ’Breakfasted? Of course you have. Twelve o'clock. (Sighs. • Ah, my dear sir, legislating is no joke : late hours, wear and tear. By-the-bye, how is dear Mrs Jones? Any increase of the family ? When I last called one of your olive-branches had—had, dear me -’ ‘ Measles, sir.' ‘ That's it. And pray, why am I honoured by this call so early ?' • Three years’ boots and shoes, sir.' • Three years ' How time flies. < >ur brief hours soon slip away. Jones.’ ‘ Yes, sir ; but credit don't.' ‘ No, certainly : I'll write you a cheque.’ ‘Thank you, sir.' ‘Glass of urine?’ -Pours one out. - Then a chat, embracing every conceivable subject, concluding with Sheri-lan's last play, ‘Pizarro.' He writes out a box ■ •rder, and savs—• Bring your wife and children. Kemble, Siddons, Jordan, all in it. (Kings bell. > James, carriage —due at the House. Good-bye, Jone* ; regards to Mrs J. Stop—now you are here, measure me for half-a-dozen pairs of top-boots.' -Jones -lid.) ‘Thank ye. Always delighted to see you—mind that, James.' Door closes on mystified Jones ; he hail two orders, one for boots, the other for the play.