Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1854-04-27
N Is C D l L A N Y.
THE INVESTMENT.
BY HORACE q. woop.
.CHAPTER Il

Can you loan me two thousand dollars
to establish myself in small retail bust
ness 3 inquired young man not yet cut Of
teens Of middle aged gentleman, who was
pering over pile Of ledgers in the count
ing-reom Of one Of the largest wholesale es-
adjustments ia Boston. The person al
dressed turned towards the speaker, aud re-
garding him for moment With : lock Of
surprise, Inquired
What security can you give me. Mr.
Stresser p
eNs,hing but ny note, replied the young
man promptly.
Which fear would be below par in mar
kes' replied the merchant smiling.
Perhaps SO, said the young man, but
Mr. Barton, remember that the boy is net
the man the time may come when Hiram
Stresser's note will be as readily accepted as
that of any otaer.man
True very true, replied Mr. Barten,
mildly, but you know business men sell
dom loan money without adequate security
otherwise they might soon be reduced to
penury'
At this remark the young mans couate-
nance became deathly pale, and having OBJ
quired in vsice whose tones indicated his
deep Disappointment
'Then you cannot accommodate me, can
your N
Call upon me to-morrow, and I will give
you 3 reply said Mr.. Barton; and the
young man retired
Mr. Barton resumed his labors at the
desk, bat his mind was SO much upon the
boy and his singular errand, that he could
not pursue bis task with any correctness,
and after having made several sad blunders,
he closed the ledger, took bis hat and went
out upsn the street Arriving Opposite the
store Of a wealthy merchant, upon Mix
street, he entered the deor
Good morning Mr. Hawley' said he sp-
preaching the proprietor of the establish
5nlent, 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 news2 how's trader
Without noticing these iaterrogstions,
Mr. Bsrtsn said
Young StrOsser is DESTROYS Of establish
ing himself in small retail business il
Washington street, and called this morning
to secure Of me loan Of two thousand dol
lars for that purpose
Indeed I exclaimed Mr. Harley, evil
IDENTIFY surprised a. this announcement, but
you dc not think Of leaning that sum, do
you r
lido not know replied Mr. Barton, sMr
StFosser is young man Of business talent
and win be likely 10 succeed in whatever he
undertakes
Perhaps So, replied Mr. Hawlsy. doubt
fully, but am heartily tired Of helping to
re-establish these young aspirants for COM
mercial honors'
Have yen suffered any frsm such
course p inquired Mr. Bartsa, at the same
time casting roguish glance at Mr. II.
Mo- replied he latter, for never felt
inclined to make an investment Of that
kind
Then there is a fine opportunity to DO 50
lit may prove better than stock in the
bank As for myself ]: have cencladed that
ifyoa will advance him one thousand dol
larsI will contribute an equal sum
Not a single farsaiRg would I advance
for such purpose; and if you make an in
yestment Of that kind, shall consider you
very foolish indeed
Mr. Barton observed silence Of several
moments. and then rose to depart
IF You do net feel disposed to share with
me in this enterprise, shall advance the
whole sum myself
Saying which, be left the store.
CHAPTER III.
Ten years have passed away since The oe
currence Of the conversation recorded IN the
preceding chapter. and Mr. Barton, pale and
excited, is standing at the same desk as
when 1rst introduced to the readers stten-
tiop. IS page alter page Of his ponderoas
ledger vas examined, his despair became
deeper and deeper, until Il last he ex
claimed
II am ruined-utterly ruined r
How 50 = inquired Hiram Stresser, who
entered the esuntingre0m in season 10 hear
Mr.. Barton's remark.
The last Eurepean steamer brought me
news Of The failure Of the house Of Perlsh,
Jackson & Co, London, who are indebted
10 ne in the SUM II nearly tEo hundred
thousand dollars. News Of the failure has
beesms general, and my creditors panic-
stricken, are pressing in my papers e Be
casbsd The banks refuse NE credit. and
have not the means 70 meet M Habilities
II / could psss this crisis, perhaps 1 could
rally again, but it IS Impossible; my cred
itors are impsrtunste. and cnnnes much
longer ksep above ths tide, replied Mr..
Barton.
What Is Che extent of ysur liabilities r
inquired Stresser