Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1896 — On the Installment Plan. [ARTICLE]

On the Installment Plan.

As a Star reporter was ambling merrily along Massachusetts avenue the other morning, in pursuance of his repertorial duties, he was held up by a dil-apidated-looking peripatetic, who proved, ujton inspection, to be an Irishman. He was not exactly a thing of beauty, but there was a Hibernian twinkle to nis eye that seemed as if it might be a joy forever, and the reporter was pleased by its influence. “And what do you want with a nickel. Pat?” he asked, after the Irish gent had stated the object of his call. “Oi sthrained me back worrkin’ ahn the railroad, sor,” said he, “and the dochthor towld me to get a stringthinin' plashter for it, sor.” “A nickel won't buy a strengthening plaster, will it?” "Niver a bit, sor, but Oi have twinty cints already, sor.” - "Well, here’s a Time, and as you have twenty cents, you can give me the change,” Pat had the coin in his fingers just as soon as he possibly could get a clutch on it. “Plaze God, sor, Oi would,” he said, earnestly, “but Oi have paid the twinty clnts on the plashter.” The reporter smiled at the Idea of a druggist selling a plaster on the installment plan. “I suppose, then, you will owe me a nickel?” lie ventured. “Indade, Oi will, sor; a long toime, sor,” and I’at slipped away, leaving only a memory of that peculiar little twinkle of the eye.