The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-08-21

SnnmeiihB iutd that he SnaH make money Out
Of his spec; reasoning, justly, that the clerk
would not De sent on so expensive Journey,
unless the firm expected TO derive very great
advantage from his proceedings. After some
bantering, IN which Mr. Hubbens is totally
baffied, the latter invites Donald TO the inn:
'And away they both went; in the short jour
ney 10 the inn, Donald, coeitaling on the utmost
that he should ask for the resale Of the indigo,
and the managing clerk endeavoring to divert
his thoughts from the value Of the goods in his
possession.
The supper and its accessories were the best
that ever fell to the lot of Donald to share but
he was prudent, and the clerk gained no advan-
tage through the means Of his lavish expenditure
oil choice wines, so after many fiourishes, and
much circumlocution, he was forced to Put the
plain question to his guest, What will you
take to pass your cargo of indigo back 10 our
firm p
Troth, Mr. Hubbens, Pam at loss bit
Plat will we gle, truly
why, Mr.. M'Grie, the fact is, we have re-
ceived very unexpected order for the article,
and our people have empowered me TO come to
Aberdeen and offer you thousand pounds to re-
turn the cargo just as you got II. There is a
glorious chance for you. A thousand pounds /!
DON'T you feel yourself in HeavenP
mo, no; Pm better advised than that comes
to. didna buy the mickle lot butapon sound
i nave ITlen5, SiI, lIieIS VIII nave
the first intelligence
II is as suspected, thought the clerk he has
had the first news of the general failure of the
crops
IN tell what it Is, Mr.. M'Grie--it is a bold
step, but I'll take it upon myself TO double the
offer. Two thousand, sir, two thousand
Heyr
Indeed no, my man. ! can make mair OF
than that
.l I La. IL.
ster, with an air Of well-affected Indifference.
Wee, weel, young sir, here's to ye vera
guide health, and pleasant journey back again.
Thank you, sir. May the indigo prosper with
YOU
They drank two glasses of wine each in 81
lence. The modification of Hubbens could not
be concealed, whilst M'Grie's visage represented
content carved out in stone.
Alter considerable pause, the clerk lost his
temper entirely his patience had long gone be-
fore it--and he resumed the attack upon the i'm
perturbable Donald AT length the would be
purchaser, not at all liking the prospect and the
shame Of an unsuccessful journey back to his
principals, in fit Of desperation pulled out his
private instructions, and said, Here, read that,
obstinate man of iron that you are. Just so far
am | permitted to go, and no farther"
M'Grie read very deliberately that his host
was empowered TO offer him the freight both
ways, anu TOUR tnOuSdHu pOuHuS
III is driving me hard, said Donald; but as
you are an unco amiable young man, and no 10
fash you with your employers, guide men, Ill
just consent. And TO show We that can be Ii
beral, too, why, when We hae settled the reckon
ingf I'll stond pint o. Glenlivet atween the twa
of u.s.
After this, the transaction was Immediately
wound up, and the money paid down.
Donald was wise enough to know that he
could not always hope TO make fortunate mis-
takes, and accordingly retired from business,
bought real estate, and lived and died like a
gentleman. The author gives US the following
moral
1--WE have made out our case, and that by
the means of no fiction. 1t well exemplifes our
moral, In matters of moment, never speak first,
and never speak hastily In the lives of the
most unfortunateamong us, many lucky opportu-
mites occur 1t is neither the learned nor the Gle
yer who know best how to seize them, and turn
them to the most advantage. This faculty be-
longs to the prudent. Had Donald M'Gre spo-
ken first, and spoken the wish of his heart, he
would have said, Pray take fifty pounds, and
release me from my bargain He held his
tongue until It was the proper time to speak, and
thus realized handsome independence for him
self and for his children"