The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1853-12-29

I1eHLg oOhuhI'
Joseph retired to an adjoining room,
which connected with the one occupied by
himself.
"You want business, young MANI"
said the broker, fixing the glance of has
keen grey eye upon Henry.
do, sir; have applied to you for sit
uation."
"I do not want clerk, but have SER
vice of rather delicate nature, that |
wish performed. You are 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.
"I trust shall be able to suit you," said
he modestly.
Exactly so-you will. The service l
require is not disagreeable task; and
most young men would be glad to do it
without the liberal compensation: Ipro-
pose to give YOU"
"Pray, what is the service?"
''Before state it, young man, wish
you to understand that all which passes
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 so apt to hesitate as
those in more comfortable circumstances.
''I promise
"Promise!-swear."
sI do"
eff you are false to your oath, I'll tear
your heart out!'' said the broker in deep,
fierce tone.
81 would not betray your confidence"
said Henry.
"Listen to me, then. I am the guar
dian of young lady, who by the terms
of her fathers will, loses her inheritance
if she marries without my consent-her
estate comes to me. The fall of stocks
has ruined me; must redeem myself; do
you understand"
Henry shrunk back in amazement at
the cool villainly which Mr.. Harding pro-
posed to perpetrate; but his curiosity was
aroused, and with as much calmness as he
could assume, he expressed his perfect
comprehension of the brokers' position.
"You are well formed; the women say
you are handsome" continued the broker
with sneer Mature has admirably
adapted you to execute my purpose; you
must marry the girl"
"Marry herr" exclaimed Henry, in ut
ter amazement.
"Ah, marry her! She is worth hun
dred thousand dollars; I will give you ten
thousand dollars, when you have made her
your wife,
'Will she consent to be my wife," in
quired Henry.
"Fool! not unless you play your cards
right. But she is romantic-sentiment
reads novels by wholesale. will in
troduce you as Count Fizzle, or something
of that sort; you must do the rest.''
Henry paused to consider. The idea of
becoming party to such notorious trans
action was repugnant to every manly feel
ng within him. But he had Just sworn an
oath which sealed his lips SO that he
could not expose the plot, even if he re-
fused to engage in it.
81 will make the attempt" said he, af-
ter thorough consideration.
"Good, and as I suppose you are not
flush Of change, here's hundred dollars
to fit yourself out with"
The broker handed him the money and
promised to callin the evening and intro
duce him to the lady.
"That was preciouss exclaim-
ed Joseph. as he re-entered the room.
"You heard it?"
"Mum, Standish; Il am not so nice about
such things as some folks. congratulate
you on your good fortune, and when you
come in possession, hope you won't for
get old friends"
"Certainly I shall not" replied Henry,
relasping into revery.
| CHAPTER II.
Mr.. Harding accompanied Henry to the
residence of his ward, and presented him
as a highly esteemed young friend, for
whom he claimed her special favor.
"Your friends shall alwaysbe welcome,
uncle Obed,' said she, taking the hand
of Henry. % r.
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