Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1853-06-02


The merchant politely saluted the unlortun-
ate dealer, smiling as blndly as though no'hlng
mad happened--as though he had ne meoe' ana
Frank wen a Stole. ~ II
"Mr. Howard, this is unfortunate but IN
the midst of so much commercial dsas'er, you
perceive that it was my only course, SAID 'he
merchant, soothingly.
81 suppose it ~aS; but you know the cause
of my inability TO pay the note" returned FRANK
with a doeful expressi sion.
"Ah, young man, you ought not 10 have lent
the money to Smith Vi you had asked my al
vice, could have told you better" -.
"Smith was always supposed to be good
The merchant shook his head. II
But Mr.. Allen, give me short time, ana
can pay the note. Smith assures me he shall
recover himself"
! "Mr. Howard, certainly wish you WELL
| have done all could TO give you fair start
| 80 you have, sir, and am very grateful TO
YOU"
"Are you?" and the merchant fixed keen
glance upon the young man.
81 assure you that am"
GLOW have you manifested III" said tho mer-
chant, sternly. "But 10 matter we meet now
as business men,"
"Well what shall be doneP You have
stopped me- can do no more"
II don't wish to be hard; would wait 1t
prudence would justify it," said Mr.. Allen, who
was keenly sensitive in regard TO his reputation
for generosity and fairness.
In fact he was u man of good feelings, and
only that he meant TO punish Frank for falling
in love with his wealthy niece, would not have
disturbed him.
"Y OIL are just as secure two months hence, as
now," pleaded Frank,
81 have not that confidence in you, Mr.. How
ard-l say it Grankl (which had once. You
have lost thousand dollars. | doubt if your
stock, under the hammer, would pay my
notes."
Frank looked savage, for though crest-fallen,
lie was Frank Howard yet and he keenly felt
the unjust imputaion Of the merchant
Il wish to be fair, and even indulgent," con-
tinued Mr.. Allen, before Frank had time to ut
ter the ungracous sentiment that rose to his
lips. "Here is the note; give me one good en-
. dorser, and will wait two months"
. Frank looked up and smiled in contempt al
n the miserable subterfuge of the merchant who
:, meant to crush him, and still preserve an APP
: pearance of fairness. He knew It would be
e impossible for the young man with his stock en-
numbered, TO procure the security.
~ "Will you take Smith," asked Frank hur-
n riedly.
# "Of course not" replied Mr.. Allen, with u
l. bland smile.
II will see what can be done; but think the
,e case is hopeless"
70 The merchant withdrew, satisfied in his own
e. mind that his revenge was sure, and his repu-
tution safe, at the same time.
is Frank and myself canvassed the matter, but
ST we could think of no person whose milk OF hui
e. man kindness was sufficiently abundant to
ID prompt him TO do such an insane act
10 4, I,
was struck up by the entrance Of Miss Allen
s. GLOW gloomy you look here to-day, Frank, 8
at said she, laughing and showing in the act the
err pretiest row oil pearly teeth ever saw.
Sc "We are gloomy, indeed" replied Frank
mastering sckly smile, "But you know the
10 reason"
"Why, what reason?" asked she, her pretty
* fee relapsng into serious one.
nd You see that mani"
"Yes."
n Ale is keeper" replied Frank, with tragic
he effect.
he "A keeper! of what? Are you insane?" re-
re sponded the lady, playfully, for it must be con
essed she was not acquainted with the technic
E. alites Of business.
G, Frank laughed, and explained the disaster
TO which had Oyertaken him.
Q. "Puh ~ exclaimed she, with an appearance
ne Of relief and really believe ii the keeper ant
myself had not been in the way, she would have
" thrown her arms around his neck, and kisset
le away the modification.
an l had before been introduced TO the lady, anC
TO at this moment advanced 10 join in the CONVEX
as satIon.
"And my uncle is the wretclly" continued
Ia she, merriy. "But what can you do; how cal
b. you get out of it,"
le Frank explained the proposition to procur,
an cndorser for the note. The light hearted
ID maiden appeared TO have but little sympathy ro
10 the misIortunes OF her lover and asked all sorts
is oil questions about endorsers, notes. and bushes.
nj forms.
"Where is the note yea are to have endors.
el;" asked She.
IS "Mr Allen has it,"
l. "How can you have it endorsed them"
n 81 can write another" replied Frank
at smiling at the innocence of his berothed.
"Then write one" said she, promptly.
\. Frank looked at her a momegt, 10 1scert,ir
IS what mischief was lurking in her mind, She
smiled apparently wlthoutth power to prevent
.r it.
The lover, impelIed by curiosity as much a.
sr any OTHER motive, wrote the note and signed il
Nov how do you endorse it?" asked she
by writing the name across the back"
I'd The lady approached the desk, and turninp
I'd the note, wrote with two dashes of the pen,
l. "ISaJel .Ailcn," across it,
1T is endorsed" said she, with smile, which
.e told Frank all she meant.
"But Isabel"
., GOOD morning, Frank" interrupted she, and
r fastened out OF the store.
y Bravo? Frank" exclaimed l.
He smiled doublfully; his pride was little
~ftouchcd.