The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1852-07-06

Had not descended the river the day previ
Gus with several tons of produce, should
have imagined that the inhabitants of the
Strangers were preparing For an immediate
famine A foreigner might have been appall-
ed attheir hasty rapacity: to me il was simply
ludicrous. But perhaps there were not a doz-
EN- persons in the hall who thought any thing
about it. The walters seemed to understand
it perfectly, and no doubt congratulated them
selves that, ifthcir labors was severe, they were
also brief In five minutes, by the clock, the
tables were two-thirds cleared, and most of the
guests had disappeared In five minutes more
only few strageers were left at a side-tablc,
aud found myself the object of playful re-
mark among knot of walters at the foot of
the table, who were anxious to remove the
cloth. l.ordered another cup of coffee, simply
to spite the black rascals, and having consum-
ed it, esurely folded my napkin, rose from the
table, and left the "banq,iet hall deserted"
II was not till had nearly finished the NOR
ming paper and a cigar, sitting on a sofa by the
window, that became aware of the presence
ofan individual in the chair near me, evident
ly waiting a favorable moment to speak. This
parsonage was of very unreliable physiog
nomy, and indeed appeared 10 have succeeded
in banishing from his countenance all express
ion whatever. His face was very sallow, and
his hair, which was black and thin, was elabo-
rately curled. His teeth were white. and wero
set off to great advantage by Il pair of dark
whiskers. His neckcloth was tied with great
care, his linen was spotless, and the cut Of his
broadcloth was unimpeachable. He wore ve-
ry heavy seal ring and a massive guard chain;
and it was this latter circumstance only that
caused me, in spite of myself, to feel little
uneasy in his society.
81 am delighted TO see you, Mr.. Jones', re-
marked this young gentleman as soon as our
eyes fairly met; sit is pleasure which hard
expected
"Indeed!" / gasped, somewhat taken off my
guard: ''really-it is long"
"No apologies, Mr.. Jones'" interrupted my
unknown friend, gratefully extending his hand
10 mine: sour memories are somewhat treacb-
erous. and we often forget those whom we
have known most intimately. have often had
the pleasure of Seeing you at Louisville, sir,
and Al various times when you have visited
New York have supplied you with goods
Although have never personally attended to
your wants ms salesman, have cast my eye
over Your bills, and it gives me much cratifi-
cation to see you once more in our city: and
suiting the action to the word, he grasped my
hand, and squeezed it most cordially. "Lest
you should forget nv Name" he continued
81 will tender YOU my card, which you. will
confer an infinite favor on me by accepting
So saying, he put into my hand the accompa-
nying document
MIR. ADoLPHUs sREvfLLE:
''Upcn my word, sir" replied /, making an
effort to return the card, "yOu must have taken
me for somebody else. have never yet, to
my knowledge. purchased bill in this city;
nor do | recollect ever having seeh you in
Louisville"
81 ask thousand pardons," answered Mr..
Greville, in bland and undisturbed voice.
"your name and countenance seemed perfectly
familiar, but | was in error. You will not at
least, refuse me the honor of an acquaintance
thus strangely begun though hope not ended"
A low bow succeeded this fattcring insinua-
tion.
Who the deuce can this bel mentally ex-
claimed. 81 am afraid Mr. Greville,' finally
answered, 'that amid the whrl Of your bust
ness, you will find little time to devote to so
improbable an acquaintance as myself" 1t
can't be soloquised, that have fallen into
the hands of gambler.
'As for that" replied my mysterious friend.
II have retired from business as too an excit-
ing an occupation, and not affording sufficient
scope for the cultivation of refined society
| am at present enjoying moderate compe-
tcnce, aud. having very little to do, was just
congratulatng myself upon dissipating few
hours of ennm by making a short excursion
with you through the various localities ot-an
interest in our city,"
Good Heavens! ] mentally exclaimed, as
Mr.. Grevile finished this fearful grafton, re :
collection flashed across my mnd-Mr. Jones,
you are OF least in the cothpony of a drummer
"And." said Mr.. Grevill6, Il had proposed
4 Al.
arrangements Of some Of our best mercantile
houses. "Perhaps," he added, scrutinizing my
countenance very carefully, and yet affecting
an air of Indifference. "perhaps I may be of
assistance to you in your purchases. There is
q great deal Of swindling going on nowadays,
he continued litching his chair to my side,
and speaking in whisper. great deal of ras-
calty: and | consider il only my duty to eau
ton you against it. With me, sir, with me you
will be perfectly safe"
murmured my Acknowledgements. Mr..
Grevc pulled out his repeater, and declared
il to be nine o'clock.
'very well" said l, 81 will 60 with you."
Here now is remarkable fine establish
ment,' exclaimed my companion, after we had
proceeded few fods UP the street, ga truly
magnificent establishment: bazaar sir, a
genuine bazaar, stocked with the most season
able and fashionable goods and its various de-
partments will amply repay few moments
examination. happen also to be slightly ac-
quainted with the proprietors, very gentleman
| ly men, sir, and-ah-uncommonly easy in
their accofimpdations.
"Ahl Good morning, Dolph, my boy said
fat, dapper little man, rushing up to us; show
do you do? Busy as ever, as you see Eth
beg pardon, sir" turning to me; "didnt OBJ
serve you, being stranger; buying goods this
morningl Magnificent assortment here, on
every sidc, five stories high; do the honors
'Dolph; nothing accomplished without an ac
quaintance;' and without stopping to take
breath, the little man seized my hand, and
wrung it with a forceness that caused me al
most to doubt his sanity.
| Excuse my negligence replied the individ
ual thus called upon. "Mr. Jones, let me in
troduce to you Mr.. Osnaburgh, Mr.. Jones, o
Louisville. merchant; and duced close buye
| Won will find him assure you."