The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-11-24
SECRET SERVECE:
Or, TEE uRCKER'S WARD.
BY OLIVER OPTIC.
CHAPTER l.

penny to pay this bill WITH" exclaimed
Henry Standish, as be crushed up bill
for board, which his landlady had just
handed him.
Throwing himself into a chair, he COW
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 He was native of thirty
inc town in the northcrly part Of YER
mont. Well educated and of good ad-
dress, he was qualified for the mercantile
business, and his thoughts had always
been turned in that direction.
For several years previous to his de-
parture from home, he had been employ
ed in a store; but the sphere was too mar
row for his ambition. lie longed for the
excitement of the great metropolis, which
he doubted not would furnish him a field
co-extensiye with his capacity and his
desires.
With only small sum of money, for
he doubted not that he could step imme
mediatsly into some lucrative situation,
he babe adieu to the cherished home of
his childhood, and departed for Boston.
Arrived there, he found his prospects
not half 80 encouraging as he had expect
ed. He had applied for several situa-
tions; but having neglected to bring with
him testimonials of character, no one
would employ him in any desirable ca
pacity.
He was sorely disappointed, and not until
his scanty means were exhausted, did he
awaken to the full sense Of his unfortune
position. There seemed to be no alter
native before him, but to accept situa-
ton in some menial capacity, step at
which his pride revolted.
His landlady had handed him her
weekly bill for board. 1t was only five
dollars, but all his money was spent, and
the consciousness Of his misery went over
him like a dark cloud.
Retiring to his room, he vented his
sad feelings in exclamations Of bitter dis
appointment.
"How. now, Standish? What is the
natter" exclaimed his friendly room
mate, as he entered the apartment, and
discovered the misery of the disappo'Gt-
ed young man.
Henry raised his head and thrust for
ward the bill.
Fudge! you are not making all this
fuss about that bill, are You!"
81 have not dollar left
"Cheer up, man; will lend you W
said his kind hearted "cbum," drawing
his pocket-book out, and taking therfrom
a bank bill.
"Nay, nay, Joseph, 1 cannot take it
I know NOT that l should ever be able to
repay you" replied Henry, bitterly.
"Nonsense, Standish; take it, whether
you ever pay me or not"
II cannot"
"Thunder, you MUST! you will learn
how to borrow money one Of these days"
Henry reluctantly took the bill.
"I have news for you-a chance to get
in business"
"Then you have seen Mr.. HardiDg!"
said Henry, Frightening up
II have: he says he has something for
you to do He wishes to see you, and
promises to come here for that purpose"
"To come here?"
ayes, 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
to hope that his purpose was in fair
way of being accomplished.
A servant girl announced the broker.
ale would come up, though | tried to
make him stop below" said the girl, in q
low 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, G lancing at
Henry's chum.
Joseph retired to an adjoining room,
which connected with the one occupied
by himself.
"You want business, young man." said
the broker, fixing the glance of bis keen
grey eye upon Henry.
81 do, sir; have applied to you for
situation"
81 do not want clerk, but have
service of rather delicate nature that |
wish performed You are a good look
ing fellow, of easy address-in short, |
have selected you from a thousand, on ac-
count Of your prepossessing appearance"
Henry was astoniohed at this singular
speech of the broker.
II trust | shall be able to suit you,"
modestly.
Exactly so-you will. The service |
require is not a disagreeable task; most
young men would be glad to do it with
out the liberal compensation | propose 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 inyiolabiy Sc
cret In word, you must swear to be
silent, whether you perform the service
or mott