The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1854-04-06
CHAPTER III.


Another year had passed away in the
experience Of the young merchants
The books had been balanced, and the
result stood in black and white before
them. ,wI. .....-
Ben had followed up his system of
advertising through the year. He had
expended large sums, but had made the
outlay with Judgment and discretion.
The result exceeded his most sanguire
expectations. His store was crowded
with customers with genuine bona fde
customers, and with but small proper
ton of gadders and fancy shoppers.
The newspapers had borne to the best
families in the city and country, full
descriptions of his stock His name
was as familiar as household words"
in the dwellings of the rich and poor, Of
the farmer, the mechanic and the la
borer.
Truly the harvest was abundant, and
Ben rubbed his hands with delight as he
cast his eyes over the figures which con-
veyed to him the pleasing results Of his
years operations. He had the means,
not only of clearing himself Of debt, but
also Of gratifying his wife by giving her
all the new furniture she required, be-
sides handsome surplus with which to
increase his business. .l
The new furniture was bought and
set up; every debt was discharged; and
the importers and jobbers were eager to
give him unlimited credit. ~
One day, while he was ruminating
upon this pleasant state Of things, Joe
Weston entered the store. For some
months, the intercourse between the
young merchants had not been as cordial
as formerly. Joe's nice things had
rather "set him up - and some of the
upper ten had condescended to visit
him and he had attended the" e"Almac"
parties with his wife.
He was getting ahead fast in his own
estimation, and cherished a supreme
contempt for the slow motion of his
friend. But when in the middle Of the
year, he found himself running down
hill, and discovered that Ben's store was
crowded with shoppers, while his own
was empty, feeling of envy took pos
session Of him. Ben must be UNDER
selling, he concluded, and sooner or
later the consequences would appear.
The prosperous merchant could not
but notice the sad and detected mien Of
his friend, as he entered the store.
"How are you, Joc' You are
almost stranger, lately. Where do
you keep yourself 7" said Ben.
" Business! Ben; business ~ re-
piled Joe, demurely.
"Good business before pleasure"
" Anything over to-day :" asked Joe,
but the query was not put in that buoy
ant, elastic tone, which had distinguish
ed him in former times.
"A triAe how much do you want 2"
returned Ben, promptly.
"To tell the truth, l am bang up"
l have got note Of four hundred dol
lars to pay, and have not yet raised
the first dollar towards it,"
You are late il is half past one
now," replied Ben, consulting his watch.
I" Ben, l am in tight place." said
Joe, in low, solemn tone.
" Indeed I am sorry to hear it," and
Ben's face wore an expression of sincere
sympathy. Nothing serious, hope 7"
I" / am afraid So"
"Whst can / do for you ?" and the
young man took down his check book,
and examined the state Of bis bank ac-
count.
"I can give you check for three huns
drcd, if that will do any good" coutin-
ued he, taking up the pen to Gil out the
blank. ~
Thank you, Ben; you are very
kind; but don't know as I ought 70
take it."
"Not take it why not >"