She Was Equal To Him

Of all the expedients devised by debtors, whether by Micawber or Murger, few have been more simple and effectual than that of a Mrs. Martin in San Francisco reoently. She had ordered a ton of coal delivered at her residence. The coal dealers had not yet received their pay for previoua tons, so they instructed their driver to take the coal to her house, go to the door, present the previous bill, and refuse to deliver the coal until the bill was paid. He did so. The 'ady looked a little surprised, but an ominous glitter came into her eye when she heard her ultimatum. But she repressed her feelings, and suavely invited the coal man to "step into the parlor while she went to get the money." The coal heaver was rather grimy, and did not seem exactly to fit the furniture, but 'he accepted her invitation, stepped into the parlor, and Mrs. Martin disappeared. Many minutes passed. The coal-heaver became impatient1, but the lady did not return. Finally he heard the crash of coal. He looked out of the window. To his horror, he saw nis coal being unloaded by another man. He tried the door, but it was locked, and the grimy coal-heaver grimly sat down and waited. After the coal was unloaded the lady appeared and let him out. There was a triumphant twinkle in Mrs. Martin's eyes as she told him to "cali again with the bill." - San Francisco Argonaut.