Realizing what to expect when the usual symptoms--chills--began to overpower me, I decided at once to make some sort of provision for my family. I called at a butcher shop, and after ordering twenty pounds of beef-steak and getting it in my possession I asked the butcher to charge it. He said he didn't care to do business in that way. I told him I didn't care to either but---- "But," he interrupted "_I_ don't have to do business that way." "Well sir, I do. So you see that's the difference between you and me, and as possession is about ten points of law I guess you will do better and will no doubt get your pay more quickly if you will quietly submit to my proposition." I then explained to him my circumstances. He asked why I didn't explain in the first place. I replied "because I needed the meat." Then he asked my name and said he hoped I would be honest with him. I next called at a grocery and gave quite an extensive order to be delivered at our room. In about an hour the groceries and a sack of flour were brought to the door. I ordered them inside, and then the bill was presented. I folded it and put it my pocket, saying: "Just tell Mr. ---- to charge this." "All right sir," the boy replied and drove off. In less than twenty minutes the proprietor came rushing down fairly frothing at the mouth, and in a high state of exasperation rapped at the door, and when admitted asked excitedly what in thunder I meant. I coolly explained that we simply meant to try and exist another day or two if buckwheat flour and coffee and sugar would keep us alive. He said I couldn't live on his flour and coffee. I politely informed him that I had no use for his, as I had plenty of my own just then. "Well, why in thunder did you come and 'stand me off' in this way if you had plenty of your own?" "But my dear sir, I had none of my own before I called on you." "The devil you hadn't. And do you claim sir, that you own the things just delivered from my store?" "Of course I do, but I don't deny that I owe you, and am willing to confess judgment if you wish me to do so." After he had cooled off a little I stated my condition, when he too asked why I didn't explain in the beginning. I answered that I had been on earth too long to take any such chances. I had a siege of about ten days' sickness, after which I "hus'led" out, and by extra exertion managed to accumulate money enough to pay up my grocery and butcher bills. This greatly pleased the proprietors, and proved the means of making them my best friends, and just such as might come very convenient to have, in case of absolute necessity.