Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1844-11-15

HoHe. the former cOuld NOT refrain IIou eA-
pressing some curiosity concerning the cause
of this happy change in his prospects.
'What do you meant asked the old man.
'Have you not given up the point about his
daughters fortune 2
4 should have thought yon knew me bet
ter replied Woerden, looking slyly at his
son. But no matter-it is sufficient that
you marry the girl you like
Once more at bone, the merchant shut him.
self in his Office until the evening when he
appeared with packet of letters, which were
Immediately sent to The post.
On the day appointed for the marriage,
Wilhelm and his father arrived at Brock where
they found large party of friends and rela-
tons assembled to meet them. Van Elburg
elcomed them with. cordiality. but there was
an expression of care and embarr5 ssment on
his face, that at first made the bridegroom fear
some fresh obstacle to his happiness. The
elder Woerden, however, in no way SHARED in
his sons anxiety for he could give tolerable
good guess at the cause of his hosts uneasi-
ness.
Mynheer Van Elburg!' he exclaimed,
what can be the matter? Are you unwell.' =.
mo, my dear FRIEND replied the other, mot
i'll, but in the most unpleasant dilemma pos
slble-l must speak with you Immediately in
private
SIS it anything respecting the marriage!'
asked Woerden. IF you wish to be off your
word. it is still time.'
Not for the world
'-n that case We will proceed to the church
at once. You know like to do things rega-
larly; and as | came here to see my son mar.
ried, we will finish that business first, and
then shall be happy to hear what you have
to say
There was no remedy; and it was not until
after the happy pair had been made man and
wife, that Van Elburg could succeed in CATCH
ing his friend alone.
I am bound to deliver you four hundred
thousand behring's in fourteen days. said he,
'and not single fish can get at any price,
Woerden could not restrain his laughter. Il
dare say not, he replied, 1 bought them all
up long ago.
| in that case, of course our contrat is at an
end,' said Van Elburg, looking doubtfully at
his friend.
BY no means; or at least On certain condi-
tons. We have this day united our children,
Van Eburg, and shall leave them handsome
fortune when we die. But as regards the pre-
sent, matters are less fairly arranged. My
son received capital business, while you on
y give your daughter four thousand ducats.
Now as did not like to make the young peo'
pie unhappy by refusing my consent to their
marriage, thought you and | would settle
the matter anather way. You have to deliver
four hundred thousand behring's at ten guilders
per thousand, or | don't part with single
tail. The difference is exactly sixteen thou
sand guilders, which intend you to pay over
to my son as his wife's dowry.'
Van Elburg looked rather foolish during
this explanation, but at the end he gained his
self-possession, and even smiled as he said,
clapping the other on the shoulder, Y on
have outwitted me, Mynheer Woerden, and |
must pay the penalty, so say no more about
it. And now let US join our friends again.
Eight days afterwards Van Elburg went to
visit his daughter at Amsterdam, and in his
turn found Woerden in the greatest perplexi-
ty.
you are the very person I wanted,' said
he, seizing his hand: unless you can assist me
I am ruined man. The behring's are all rea-
dy, but high or low, not barrel is to be
found.
Van Elburg's little grey eyes twinkled cum
ningly. Every man for himself, Woerden-
you bought the fish and bought the barrels.
But as an old friend | won't take advantage
of you, and you shall have as many as you
want for exactly sixteen thousand guilders a.
bove the cost price,
Woerden looked rather blank, but did his
best to conceal his vexation. 'The trick is
not bad one,' said he, with ii forced smile,
but you must confess that taught it you.'
'Ay, ay!' returned the other, lyon are clever
fellows in Amsterdam, but we are no fools in
Brock