Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1846-09-26
THE GOLDEN CLASP,
OR, THE PERJURED GoLDsMIT
By Prof. j. II. Ingrahom.
PART I.

fhRI
A modest and exceedingly pretty young
girl plainly attired, entered one of the
goldsmith's stores on - street, and see
ing that a gentleman was engaged with the
proprietor, she timidIy shrunk aside near
the door until he could be at leisure. The
assistants were also occupied with custo-
mers whose dress and appearance showed
them 10 belong TO the class of the rich.
and so she was suffered TO remain sometime
standing there before she could be attended
to. The gentleman who was fine noble
looking person, with remarkably polished
address, seeing her waiting, courteousy
stood aside, and said to the goldsmith
DO not occupy yourself with me now,
Mr.. Broochard. l can examine these
watches by myself while you see what this
young person wants, who has been waiting
so long and patiently to get an oPportu-
nifty of addressing YOU
what do you wish, MissP asked the
goldsmith, with look which conveyed a
reproof to her for interrupting him while
engaged with customer of more value to
him.
The girl hesitatingly approached the
counter, and taking from her bosom a
small gold clasp, bent over to him, and
said in low tremulous voice
Il wish, sir, you would be so kind as to
keep this few days and let me have 81
on it,
Low as she spoke, her soft trembling
tones reached the ears of Col. McHenry
the gentleman who was present, and he
turned to observe her face, and hear the
reply of the goldsmith to this timid and
painfully uttered request. The goldsmith
took the clasp scornfully between his two
fingers, and then throwing it down said
sharply to her
This is no pawn brokers' shop, girl; and
if it was, that thing is not worth two dol
| lars.'
| 1T is of inestimable value to me, sir
indeed it is the only thing valuable that
have answered she earnestly, and hel
cheek slightly flushed at the rude manner
of his reply.
Il don't know what you value it at he
answered with cold laugh, glancing a
Col. McH., whom he saw observing him,
L would not give you six shiings for it,
But, sir, pleaded the girl, unconscious
of being overheard, i must have sever
dollars 10 day, and l have no other way
of getting it, and was in hopes, sir, tina
you might let me have that sum on it; fo
l will certainly come back and take it vi
again.
Il tell you,' answered Mr.. Broocharc
angriIy, g! keep no pawn brokers' shop
Go TO the Jews
They won't give me but two dollars, sir
and want seven
And SO you think to get it out Of mel
The young girl was about to speak again
but, as if not knowing what further +
urge, hesitated and was turning slowl
away, when she checked herself, and agai
lspoke to him
Sir she said, in low, thrilling voic
of earnest entreaty, my mother is lyin
very i'll, and our rent is due at twelve o'cloc
to-day and the persons we sew for havin
disappointed US in our pay, have no othe
resources but thisl Oh, sir, will you tax
this clasp, only few days, and will the
repay YOU
MI. Broochard felt that Col. McHenry
eyes were upon him waiting an answe
and as he wished him to think him ma
of business. (Which meant in his opinio
"a man without hearty he answere
promptly and sternly, mo. Do you thin