Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1842-05-13
From Hunts Merchants Magazine.
THE CONFIDENTIAL CLERK.

And, in word but even now worth this
And now worth nothing. Shall have the thoucht
To think on this } .lIsrchdntof Venice
Have you heard anything about these
drafts on Pierce and Lunham, HawkinsY
was the inquiry of Mr.. Ockham, as he en-
tered his counting room, 'after change one
day during the spring of 1887.
Nothing, SIR was the prompt but quie,
reply of his confidential clerk, as with
countenance somewhat pale, and slightly
tremulous land, he laid upon the desk of
his employer several bank notices of an
early date, and to large amount.
Indeed, Hawkins, but that is strange
replied the merchant, in a tone that faltercd
l;ttle-'what have you there?'
The clerk laid another paper upon the
desk, and returned TO his labors. That PEE
culiar but expressive stiffness which some-
times pervadcs the counting-room of large
mercantile houses, was here broken only by
the guarded movements of the clerks, as
with clock-work regularity and despatch
they answered the various calls from the
saes-room. After a moment of anxious
suspense, Mr.. Ockham again summoned his
confidential clerk to his desk.
Hawkins, what can this mean?' He
pointed to protested note for very large
amount, drawn in his favor, and bearing his
own endorsement.
these are dreadful times, SIR said the
clerk, in deep anxious tone.
'Wel ! added the merchant, quickly, and
fixing his brilliant but troubled eye upon the
countcnance of the other.
Il trust indeed, sir, there is some mistake
here,' replied Hawkins, almost conscious.
Mistake, Hawkins these mon arc no
apt to make mislakes-imposshe.'
'What is to be done, then, sir?'
For us, you know, but one thing is to be
done, in this case. The paper must be with
raise the money!
The clerk shook his head doubtingly.
Our friends in Wall street. replied Mr.
Ocklam-'it is our last resort, for looked
over the bank account yesterday and yol
know we have calculated closely even 70
two monlds to come. Let me see-thos,
drafts-but these are already applied to taxi
care of our own paper
true indeed, sir, and my success yes
terday was SO Indifferent that | almost DIES
pair of the ordinary sources. The none,
may be had, perhaps, in Wall street, at
rate hey ond-'
Never, Hawkins, never. will not dis
honor myself-l will not risk the future re
proachcs of conscience which is no,
clear, by rcsorling to such desperate an
sinful means; for sinful they are, and i
these times doubly so-when we know nc
how long we may escape the general over
throw.
Then, Mr.. Ockhaa,,' replied the clerk
I've must try our friends once more. wi
DO my utmost
THANK you-be prompt then, for it
now o'clock. will be AT home AT eight
Hawkins put up his books and dcparle
on his mission, with what results an hot
was to determine.
The evening came. In his quiet fami
parlor, in the midst of small but happ
domestic circle, which was indeed wor
10 him sat William Hawkins, relieved for
brief bat blissful period from the tolls ar
anxieties of business. But what a dilierel
man from him we saw in the morning in tn
still dingy counting room! The COUNT
nance then so pale and anxious was now ri
dent with smiles, and his eye slonc with Il
innocent and unrestraned gaiety of an ho
es, and generous heart. One lovely chill
IA beautiful little girl of SIX years, his on
child, sat upon his knee. Her innocc
prattle had long ago driven away all the gri
shadows which haunted his spirit during Il
day.
'When shall we live in the country, fat
err was one question among ,housal
which fell from her lips-new ones beil
conceived before the old we're answered.
'WhenT replied the father, turning
his wife with smile why, when the Dir
come and the flowers
'Oh the pretty birds, aud the sweet flo
ers' exclaimed The happy little girl, thro'
ing her arms around his neck and hissi
him--'moiher, how glad | ami
so am |, my love- replied the mother