The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-07-14
THE TWO MERCHANTS;
CHAPTER I.
Or, On Good Investment.

| Scan you loan me two thousan nd dollars TO es
tabllsh myself in a small retail busiDessl" inquir
! young man not yet out Of his teens, Of mid
| dle-aged gentleman, who poring over pile
! Of ledgers in the counting room OF one of the lar
| gest whole sale establishments in our city. The
person thus addressed turned towards the speaker
and regarding him a moment with look Of sur
| prise, inquired:
"What security can you give me, Mr.. Sros
ser?'
Nothing but my note," replied the young mar
promptly.
(Which believe would be below par IN mar
ket," replied the merchant, smiling.
| perhaps so," replied the young man, '' bu
Mr.. BIrton. remember the boy is not the man
| the time may come when Hiram Strossers note
will lie readily accepted that of any other
man."
True, very true" replied Mr.. Barton mildly
but you know business men seldom loan money y
without adequate security-otherwise they might
soon be reduced TO penury''
At This remark the young mans countenance
became deathy pale, and having observed a
silence of several moments, he inquired in n
voice whose tones indicated his deep disappoint.
Then you cannot accommodate me, can
you?''
{" Call upon me tomorrow, and will give you
reply" said Mr.. Barton and the young man
retired.
Mr.. Barton resumed his labors at the desk but
his mind was so much upon the boy and his singu-
lar erraBd that he could not pursue his task with
any correctness, and after having made several
bunders he closed the ledger, took his hat and
went out into the street. Arriving opposite the
store OF wealthy merchan: upon Water street,
he entered the door,
"Good morning, Mr.. Hawley," said he, ap-
preaching the proprietor OF the establishment. who
was seated al his desk, counting over the profits Of
the week.
"Good morning." replied The merchant bTandy,
happy to see you; have seat? Any news |!
how's trade 2"
Without noticing OF these Interruptions, Mr..
Barton said:
Young Strosser is desrous Of establishing
himself in a small retail business in Washington
street, and called this morning to secure a loan
OF two thousand dollars for that purpose"
L" Indeed" said Mr.. HuwIey. evidently surpris-
ed at this announcement; 6 but you do not think
OF loaning that sum do you?"
- do not know" replied Mr.. Barton, " Mr..
SrossPr is young man OF business talent and
strict integrity, and will be likely TO succeed in
whatever he undertakes"
Perhaps so' said Mr.. Hawley, ..but am
heartily nred of helping these young asPrants for
commercial honors'
Have you ever suffered from such course 7"
inQuiGcu mr. DartOH, hl Tue SStIS lime CaSllnS u
roguish glance at Mr.. Fl.
No." replied the latter, for never felt inclin.
ed to make an investment OF that kind
"I hen here is fine opportunity to do so. II
may prove better Than stock in the bank As for
myself, have concluded that if you will advance
him one thousand dollars, will contribute an equal
sum-" -
Not single farhing would | advance for
such purpose and it you make advance of
ind hall dos I,ol II
Mr.. Barton observed a silence of several mo-
ments and then 10 depart.
If you do not feel disposed to share with me
in tins enterprise, shall advance the whole SUN
myself"
So saying he LEFT the store.