Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-07-12
MISCELLANEOUS.


CLEVER STORY.
On the evening of the goth Of January, 1905, the
city of Amsterdam was thrown into an unusual
state of hustle and confusion by the entrance of
the French army under Pichegru. While the
French troops with piled arms awaited their billets
and rations, the inhabitants hastened to illumlDe
IN honor OF their arrival and in spite of the pierre
ing cold thronged TO welcome their tired heroes
Amid the general rejoicing, one house alone re-
manned with closed doors and darkened windows
1T was the dwelling the wealthy merchant, Woer-
den, who, wholly occupied in his business cared
little for politics stIll less for the arrival of the
French, and was far too careful of his money to
vast" It IN illuminations like his neighbors
"tpped In his tur dressing gown, a seal skin
drawn closely over the few gray hairs time had
lett on his head, he had wheeled his easy chair
close to the chimney, as he rubbed his hands over
the bright coal fire. seemed lost in reverie from
winch neither the beer can, nor long clay pipe on
the table at his side, had power to rouse HIM
All at once the silence " as interrupted by VIC
lent ring at the house bell The. old man started,
and turning to stout re1-checked servant who,
seated at a respectful distance, was occupying her
self in knitting
See who 1t is, Jacqueline,' sud he. that comes
to disturb us at tins unreasonable hour
In few inmates a tall young man entered and
throwing off his cloak salutcd the the merchant as
father.
lila is it you, Wilhelm! did not expect YOU
back 50 soon.
| have just returned from Brock replied the
other and should have arrived long ago had not
the road been so encountered with troops and
idlers'
Have you seen Van Eburg?
Yes answered the young man, taking his seat
by the hre, 'and he consents to my marriage with
his daughter, but refuses to give more than four
thousand ducatS as her dowry.
Then he may keep both ducats and daughter
said the merchant angrily
But consider, fathcr,'-
Con ider wha, " interrupted Woerden There
is nothing to consider know that at your age
love ouiweighs gold, but time will teach you, tn 1t
when poverty comes in at the door, love soon flies
ont at the widow
Yes, iathern argued the young man, sVan FL
burg is one of the richest men in the country,
and sooner or later his daughter must have his for
tune
Tut tut said Woerden, Van Elburg knows
well what he is about but cunning as he u.s. he
shall not put bad bargain me. AS for you,
Wilheln. have promised to We you up my bu-
sIneSs, and how recommend your taking a word of
advice with it never give more than you receive,
AMI alw VS. consider yourself before other people in
your transactions rely it, that is the only way
to prosper in business well as love. And now
we will drop the subject
The young man knew his fathers humor too well
to press the matter, at least al that moment.
As he sat brooding in silence over his disap-
OF horses eet were heard in the Court yard, while
the dog commenced furious barking.
IL is certainly stranger this tlmen said Myn.
heer Woerden, there is no installing the dogs
bark
He was interrupted by a servant bringing in
packet
'Comnissariat Department ? said her master
with no little surprise, as he opened it but ex
preston OF uneaSiness which had ut first slightly
contracted his features, changed into one OF pleas
ure as he read on: An order to deliver four hun
dred thousand herrings for the use OF the Frencl
army he continued: "a very acceptable commits
sion. Wihelnn he suddenly exclaimed after
short pause. Wilhelm! you shall marry Van Ell
burg's daughter, and he shall give her handsome
dowry in spite of himself
How say you my dear father!' replied hi
son, unable to believe his senses at tins suddel
change.
Leave all TO me- Wilhelm said Woerden.-
'Order our horses to be saddled by day break
and mind that am called IN time, for we must b.
at is oek before twelve o'clock; and now, goo,
night
The rising sun saw Our travellers on the roat
to that celebrated village, where cleanliness il
carried to such an extent, that before entering TN
streets both luther and son, in Compliance with In
variable custom, were obliged to dismount AM
leave their horses to the care of servant At Tin
door Of Van Eburgs house they were requires
to submit to what Il few years later neither Napo
leon nor the Emperor Alexander were exemptn
from; and, taking off tner boots, replaced the
with slippers before they were allowed to enter til
room where he sat with his daugher Cloilde.
Good morning, Mynheer Woerden,' said hi
shaking his friend warmly by the hand lay
you been frightened out of your good city by III
French, that you honor me SO early with visit !?
Not at all, Van ElburgP said the Cher. :
care nothing about the French and as | neve
NEEDLE in polilcs, it is quite lnnaterial to II,
who governs our town. bdt am cone to max
you proposal. have undertaken To furnish tn
Commlssarlat with four hundred thousand herring
y on this day month"; and | wish to know if 1t wi
suit you to procure them for me in three weeks p