Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1853-06-02
Frank Howard.
by OLIVER OPTIC.
CHAPTER II.
(Concluded.)
OR GETTING AN ENDoRsER.

The business was finished at last, much to the
regret of my handsome friend, who, when he
had got into the street fell straghtway into
fit of abstraction, and had walked half way
across Charlestown bridge on his way home be-
fore he happened TO think that he lived at the
South End. ...
1t was all up with poor Frank; lie had fallen
in love--was stark, staring mad in loye-with
whom he knew not, for it was well known that
Mr.. Allen had no daughter She was rela-
tive, however, for she bore his name.
But if Frank was in love, there was some
consolation in the fact that the fair creature
who had stolen his heart, was in the same pre-
dieament.
The next day she came shopping at his
store, and the next, and the next; indeed, almost
every day. No conversation had passed be-
tween them, and though he had been introduced
on the evening OF his visit, he had been too
much overwhelmed to use words.
My friend, however, did not lack that neces-
sary attribute ola successful lover somew hat
vulgarly called "spunk." He had no further
business with the merchant; but then his cas- e
was desperate one, SO he made an errand.
Miss Allen blushed as he entered, but she
was agreeable and sociable to the last degree
SO much SO that the bells rang for nine o'clock
]
my friend was in for it.
The lady was niece of the merchant, TWEEN
ty.one, years of age, and an heiress. In the
course Of few months Franks energy won the
victory, and it was understood that they were
engaged.
The merchant did not like it. Being some
what exclusive in his IDEAS Of social intercourse
the prospective marriage Of his wealthy niece to
a poor retailer, was repugnant to the last degree
and he resolved TO thwart the purpose OF the
loving couple.
At first he appealed to the lady; but she only
laughed at him, and told him bluntly that she
loved Mr.. Howard and troud have him. Then
he reasoned with Frank on his ingralitude TO
him, his benefgctvr. The young man was
touched, and promised to consider ii.
lie did consider it, and his loving inamorata
helped him 10 consider it.. After short DELHI
Grafton, it was unanimously agreed to lay the
whole matter con the table"
Mr.. Allen was informed of the decision, and
as old Iogies always do when they cannot do
anything else, bit his lip, and swallowed his
words, fully resolved to do something dreadful
whenever an opportunity occurred.
A year after my friend went into business, as
passed his store one morning, | was not lit
tie surprised to find it closed. Before the win
dow was that omnous white cloth, denotng that
the occupant had failed.
| entered the store. Frank stood at his desk,
glancing with woe-5egone aspect at the pages
Ios his ledger
Flows this, Frank" asked-and never
was more surprised in my life
"Bu'st up; don't you Sce?" replied he, rather
petulantly.
E.R ,,.b,t I,os q ,rao,CV
"Meon? why that had note Of a thousand
dollars due yesterday, which couldn't pay; and
this morning early, my amiable friend, MIR. AL
len, put in 4 kecier-.,hat's all"
"How does i; happen? thought you were
doing a rushing business"
$50 waSj had the money TO pay this note,
six weeks ago, and let Smith have it at two per
cent, Il month" replied he, with a ghaslly
smile.
"And Smith has failed"
"Not exactly; he has stopped, but every body
says he is good-it he has time to turn him
self"
And you must make a fail of it in the
meantime!"
"If could only stave Mr.. Allen off a couple
Of months, could get out OF the scrape with
flying colors."
Wont, he wail?"
Frank shook his head he had MORALLY Of
Tended the proud merchant, and there was, no
prospect that he would be enient in the slight
est degree.
nCan't you raise the money!"
No; times hav'nt been 50 hard for four
years. Every body is failing, and the money
men won't trust their oRn fathers" o
At this moment Mr.. Allen entered the store.
lie looked stern and severe, Ike one who las
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