Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-11-12

quence, Loss instead of profit was the unfor-
tunate result
Seven years from the day Mr.. Elder opposed
regard the debtor as we'll as the creditor, he
himself found it impossible to provide for all his
heavy payments. For some time he had kept
his head above water, by making sacrifices, but
the end of this came.
Alter seepless night the merchant started
one morning for his store, oppressed with the
sad conviction that before the day closed his
fair fame would be furnished. AS he walked
along Broadway, Mr.. Carlton came to his side,
with cheerful saIutation Mr. c. was now
large creditor, instead of debtor On that
very day, bills in his favor had matured to the
amount of five thousand dollars, and these Elder
could not pay. The recollection of this made
it almost impossible for him to reply to the pleas
ant observations Of his companion. VividIy, as
if it had occurred yesterday, came ND before his
mind the circumstance that had transpred few
years previously. He remembered how eagerly
he had sought, from the merest selfish motives,
to break down Mr.. Carlton aud throw him help
less upon the world, and how near he was ac-
complishing the merchants total overthrow.-
Such recollectlons drove from his mind the hope
that for moment had presented itself of en-
listing Mr.. Cartoons good feelings, and securing
him as friend in the trial through which he
was about to pass
Several times during the walk toward Pearl
street, he was on the point of breaking the mat
ter to Mr.. c., but either his heart failed him, or
his companion made some remark to which he
was compelled to reply. AT length they separa-
ted without any ausion by Mr.. Elder to the
subject on which he was so DESTROYS of speak
ing, lie had not the courage to utter the first
word.
But this was only postponing for very brief
period, the evil day. Several remittances were
anxIously looked for, that morning. He lroke
the seal of letter after letter, with trembling
anxiety Alas! the mail brought him no aid
His last hope was gone. Nothing now remain
ed for him, but to turn his face braveIy to the
threatening storm and bear mp against its
fury.
For hours he debated the question as to what
course it was best for him to pursue. AT one
time he thought of leaving all in ignoronce of
his condition, until the notarys protest should
stare them from their ignorance. Then he
f thought it would e best to notify the holder Of
paper due on that day, that it would not be taken
up 1t was one o'clock before he could calmly
resolve on what course TO take. Then it seem
ed to him best to give notice to his creditors
He prepared brief notes to them all, bu! Mr.
1 Carlton first His heart failed him when he at
tempted to write his name. VividIy, as if it hat
5 occurred but the day previous, came up before
e his mind all the circumstances attendant upoI
= that genteman's appeal to his creditors Hi
< cheek burned when he remembered the position
: he had assumed in that affair
. But, even though such were his feelings, whel
d he came to despatch the notes he had prepared
c he could only find courage to seHd the one writ
ten to Mr.. Carlton The other creditors who's
f bills had matured that day. he thought he woul'
e go aad see; but halt an hour passed without hi:
d acting upon the resolution to do So Most o
e this time was spent in walking uneasiIy the foo
Of his counting-room, or in examining certa
" dCCOuulS III Ills IcuSFls VI cntIleS III Ills DIl
1t book He was bending, all absorbed, over
page of calculations at his desk, when some on
who had entered unperceived, pronounced hi
e name. He turned quickly and looked Mr. Car
> ton in the face. The color mounted Instant,
to the temples Of Mr.. Elder, He tried to speak
n but could not.
d Your note has taken me altogether by sur
d PRISE said Mr.. Carlton. But l hope thes
+ things are not so bad as you suppose
S Mr. Elder shook his head He tried to speak
IS but could not
|, How much have you to pay today aske
d Mr.. Carlton,
" Ten thousand dollars, was the reply, in
l. husky voice
n How much have you toward it!
l. Not two thousand
d How much falls due tomorrow
Four thousand
h low much in in month";
is Fifty thousand
e What will be your available resourcesv
e 6 Not half the amount
Hay'nt you good bls?
l. Yes but not negotiable
n Mr. Carlton unused for some time. At lengt
Ii he said,
j. You must not lie over to-day
S Il cannot help it,
ID If you will transfer to me, as security
case you have to stop payment, the bills orwhic
ID you speak, will lend you the amount you wal
u to-day
The color retired from the cheeks of Mr.. E
% der, and then came back with quick flush
IN He made no answer, but looked steadily an
Il doubtlngy into Mr.. Cartoons face
OF have been in difficulties myself and kno
u how to sympathize with Others, said the latte
{ We should aid If we can, not break down
ne fellow merchant when in trouble. Endorse bill
to my order for the SUN you want, and wi
fill IN rhacL E,r tha amount