Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-07-30
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The Investment: or the Two Merchants.
CHAPTER I

CHAPTER I.
"Can you loan me two thousand dollars to cs.
tabEsh myself in a small retail business!" inquir-
ed young man not yet out of his teens, of a
middle aged gentleman, who was pouring over q
pile of ledgers in the counting of the largest
wholesale establishment in Boston, The person
addressed turned toward the speaker, and regard
ing him for a moment with a look of surprise, in
CURED
"What security can you give me, Mr.. Stress
err"
"Nothing but my nOte," replied the young man,
promptly.
(Which fear would be below par in Market
replied the merchant smiling.
"Perhaps So" said the young man, "but Mr..
Barton, remember that the boy is not the man;
| the time may come when Hiram Strosser's note
will be as readily accepted as that of any other
man."
''True, very true" replied Mr.. Barton, mildly,
"but you know business men seldom loan money
without adequate security-otherwise they might
soon be reduced to penury.'
At this remark the young mans countenance
became deathly pale, and having observed si-
lence for several moments, he inquired, in voice
whose tones indicated his deep disappointment
"Then you cannot accommodate me, can you!"
"Call upon me tomorrow, and will give you
a reply" said Mr.. Barton; and the young man re-
tired
Mr.. Barton resumed his labors at the desk, but
his mind was SO much upon the boy, and his sin
gular errand that he could not pursue his task
Ia. L.. L.
eral sad blunders, he closed the ledger, took his
hat and went out upon the street. Arriving op-
posite the store of wealthy merchant upon Milk
street, he entered the door,
"Good morning, Mr. Hawley,' said he approach
ing the proprietor of the establishment, who was
seated at his desk, counting over the profits of
the week
GOOD morning" replied the merchant blandly;
"happy to see you; have seat; any news! how's |
trade!
Without noticing these interrogations, Mr.. Bar |
ton said
"Young Strosser is desirous of establishing |
himself in small retail business in Washington |
street, and called this morning to secure of me |
loan of two thousand dollars for that purpose"
"Indeed!'' exclaimed Mr. Hawley evidently |
surprised at this announcement; ;"but you do not
think of oaning that sum, do your
81 do not know" replied Mr.. Barton. "Mr. |
Strosser is young man of business talent and
strict integrity, and will be likely to succeed in
whatever he undertakes
''Perhaps so, replied Mr.. Hawley, doubtfully,
'but am heartily tired of helping to re-establsh
these young asprants for commercial honors."
Have you ever suffered any from such a course!'
inquired Mr.. Barton at the same time casting
roguish glance at Mr.. Hawley.
NO." repl ed the latter, "for never felt incln-
ed TO make an investment of that kind"
"Then here is a fine opportunity to do so. 1t
NAV prove better than stock in the bank. AS
for myself, have concluded that if you will ad-
vance him one thousand dollars, / will contribute
an equal sum-"
"Not single farthing would advance for such
purpose; and if you make an investment of that
kind shall consider you very foolish indeed"
Mr. Barton observed silence of several mo-
ments, and then rose to depart.
'If you do not feel disposed to share with me |
in this enterprise | shall advance the whole |
sum myself"
1 L. IL