Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-05-14

high when this fact was delcately limited at by
the individual who had undertaken to erect his
house. He called Immediately upon Mr. Lyons,
and with much warmth of manner related the
insulting reflection that had been cast upon his
integrity This gentleman looked him in The
face for some moments before replying; he then !
said coolly-
why didn't you knock him DOWN.
Il was strongly tempted to do So replied
Gardiner
This, however, was not true.
You did not, and | suppose it is just as
well, it wouldn't have built your house. But
no matter, your money is not locked up in bu-
sness, and you can deposit to your builder
credit some fifty thousand dollars, under the a.
oreemcnt that all his checks are to be drawn
payable to your order. This sum will no doubt
be considered ample security
Mr. Lyon scanned infinitely the expression of
GARDENERS face as he SAID this. Its effect was
marked. He knew that Gardiner had only re-
ceived single remittance OF twenty thousand
dollars from London, and that at least twelve
thousand dollars Of that sum had already been
paid out, leaving him in possession of but eight
thousand dollars with which to build palace
that would cost nearly hundred thousand
dollars.
L will think about that, replied Gardiner, in
an altered tone of voice.
G. 1t will be the simplest plan, depend upon it,
You will then feel perfectly independent in the
matter, aud can insist upon everything being
done just as your own views and tastes may
direct
After leaving Mr.. Lyon, Gardiner went
home in browner mood than he had known
since the day his good fortune was announced
to him
L have been going little too far, Pm afraid,
he said to himself as he sat down thoughtiully
and glanced around upon the elegant and costly
furniture with which he had attired his house.
{ Let me see-my London agent and banker has
only sent me twenty thousand dollars; | must
have heavier remittance before proceed fur
Their. Strange that it has not come to hand
long before this. don't understand it. There
was something in Mr.. Lyons look and manner
that didn't exactly comprehend
This first difficulty coming in to check his
upward course to distinction in society, made
him feel very unhappy while his chared feel
Iings were still in state of excitement, COM
municaton of a somewhat imposing appearance
was placed in his hand. He broke the seals
and read with dismay the following commu-
nicatlon:
To William Gardiner-
Sr-TIram Lang, Solicitor, London, has in
formed me that you have enormously been sup
posed to be the legal heir to the estate of Mark
Herbert, deceased, and under this msapprehen-
sion five thousand pounds have been RENTED
to you from London. The real heir is Henry
Willing, now residing at Bath, England, whose
title to the estate is undisputed, am instructed
) to recover back from you the sum advanced by
mistake, and now notify you that | am prepared
to commence an action at law for the fuhment
of that purpose.
JAMES BATES, Atoraey at Lar.
A man who grows large so rapidly generally
grows small by collapse The letter fell from
the hands of the contounded Gardiner, and he
t was from that moment humbled and powerless
He did not dream of denying the position of the
attorney and commencing vigorous effort tC
sustain himself at least in the possession of the
money already received he gave up at once
As soon as MIR, Lyon parted with Gardiner
he went direct to the Office of Bates, the lawyer
and dictated the above letter The reader may
as well know, at this point Of our story, that all
previous communications received by the duped
. bod nnvnr bonn any. nnorar Fl, Tnndor
than the office of James Bates, Esq, and that
the money received by Mr.. Lyon for the property
sold to Gardiner was in fact his own money
which he had been willing to put in jeopardy
to crafty the strong desire he felt to test
the principles of Gardiner and humble him
for the insoeuce of his manner on former oc
casions.
Most persons will think he went too far, and
that nothing could Justify so severe lessor
as the one he compelled poor Gardiner tC
LEARN Not content even with the knowledge
that his unfortunate dupe must be terribly cas-
down, distressed and mortified, he added bitter
insult by sending him letter containing only
: the following line
Put d beggar on horseback and he will ride
to the. A. Lyon'
Gardiner fell so heavily under this last and
unlocked for blow, that bis eyes flew open and
he saw jast where he was standing and to whom
he was indebted for means to play the fool fol
brief period. He was deeply incensed on re
ceiying this note, and had he not previously Civ
en- up nearly every dollar he possessed
: would have retained tight grasp upon every
thing, and let Mr. Lyon get it back as best hi
could.
After a severe fit of illness, which came nea
- terminating fatally, Gardiner was prepared tt
be gin the world again in a humble way. Thi
he preferred doing in neighboring city, WHERE
the story of his late rise and fall had not reached
! He is again doing a very fair business, ant
living, as before, within his means Ina few
years, if he lives and retains his health and in
:, | Il -. i