Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1853-11-03
miscellaneous.
From the American Union.
SECRET SERVICE;
THE BROKERS WARD.
BY OLIVER OPTIC.
CHAPTER I.

4 pieedhCe all gone. anu L nave not penny
to pay this bill WITH exclaimed Henry
Standish. as he crushed up bill for
board, which his landlady had Just hand
ed him
Throwing himself into chair, he Gov
cred his face with his hands, and wept like
child
When the strong man weeps, the heart
is indeed touched. The young man had
been four weeks in Boston in search of
employment. lie was native of thriv-
ing town in the northerly part of Vermont
Well educated snd of good address. he
was qualified for the mercantile business.
and his thoughts had always been turned
in that direction
For several years previous to his depar-
ture from home, he had been employed in
store; but the sphere was too narrow
for his ambition He longed for the ex-
citement of the great metropolis, which
he doubted not would furnish him field
co-extensive viii his capacity and desires.
With only small sum of money, for
he doubted not that he could step imme
dieteiy into some lucrative situation. he
bade adieu to the cherished home of his
childhood, and departed for Boston.
Arrived there he found his prospects
met half so encouraging as he had expect
led. He had applied for several situations
but having neglected to bring with him
testimonials of character, no one would
employ him in any desirable capacity.
He was sorely disappointed. and not
until his scanty means were exhausted did
he awaken to the full sense of his unfor-
tunate position There seemed to be no
alternative before him. but to accept a sit
uation in some menial capacity, step at
which his pride rcvolted
His landladg had handed him her week
ly bill for board 1t was only five dollars,
but all his money was spent, and the con-
sclousness of his misery went over him
like dark cloud.
| Retiring to MS room he vented his sad
feelings in exclamations of bitter disap-
Ipointment.
'How now, Standish2 What is the
matter 2 exclaimed his friendly room
mate, as he entered the apartment. and
discovered the misery of the disappointed
young man.
Henry raised his head and thrust for
ward the bill
Fudge you are rot making all this
FUSS ABOUT t1laf ii 6iif. a.. e ou.ai>
Il have not a de,lar left s
Cheer up. man: / viii lend you v
said his kind hearted ichum,' drawing his
Ioocket-book out, and taking therefrom a
bank bill.
Nay, nay, Joseph / cannot take it. I
know not that should ever be able to
repay you replied Henry, bitterly.
Nonsense. Standish take it whether
you ever pay me or not
Il cannot
Thunder, you must you will learn
how to borrow money one of these days
Henry reluctantly took the bill
Il have news for you-a chance to get
into business
Then you have seen Mr. Harding p
said Henry Frightening up.
Il have he says he has something for
you to do He wishes to see you, and
promised to come here for that purpose
To come here 2
Yes and it is time he were here now,
said the other. consulting his watch.
Mr. Harding was a broker, to whom
Henry had several times applied for en-
ployment and who had encouraged him
Ito hope that his purpose was IN fair way
IF being accomplished.
A servant girl announced the broker
He would come up, though [ tried to
make him stop below said the girl, in a
ow tone
Walk in, sir ; my apartment is but an
humble one, said Henry, in confusion,
No apology, young man; you are not
alone, returned the visitor, glancing at
Henry's chum
Joseph retired to an adjoining room,
(which connected with the one occupied by
himself
You want business, young man 2 said
the broker, fixing the 6 lance of his keen
grey eye upon Henry.
I do, sir; have applied to you for a
situation
/ i do not want clerk, but l have a
; wish performed. You 80 good looking
fellow, of easy address-in short, l have
selected you from thousand, on account
, of your prepossessing appearance.
Henry was astonished at this singular
speech of the broker
4 trust | shall be able to suit you
said be, modestly.
Exactly so-you will. The service I
, require is not disagreeable task; most
. Young men would be glad to do it without
the liberal compensation l propose to give
you
Pray, what is the service2'
Before state it. young man. l wish
you to understand that all which passes
5 between US must be kept inviolably secret.
: In word, you must swear TO be silent,
whether you perform the service or not
Henry hesitated but he was beggar,
and beggars are not apt to hesitate as
hose in more comfortable circumstances.
Il promise
'Promise-swear 7
L do
If you are false to your oath, Eli tear
tour heart out T said the broker, 10 a
ldeep. fierce tone.
/ L would not betray your confidence
SIR