Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1855-02-09

he CONTINUAL suhsnine Of prosperity.
Who does not recolect that wh irwin,
Of speculation which about this tim
swept over New England, elevating som
to the pinnacle Of fortunn, while other
ii hurled into the vortex Of ruins Lesl
embarked his whole iortuue in vast Ian,
purchase, which promised bountiful har
vest Of wealth to those who had invested
capital in the scheme.
But the enterprise proved q complet,
failnre, involving Leslie and others il
total ruin. His property had been NOR,
gagged for security. the foreclosure mad.
and Iesl was penniless. For few hun
dred dollars however. his creditors would
permit him to retain his house aud keer
his store open. This would at least con
tinue him in business and insure him q
livelihood, consequently every nerve wa:
strained, every mesns t,ied 10 raise the
requisite sum.
All day, Lesli went from friend to
friend WHO in his prosperity had professed
for him the warmes, regard, laid before
them his case and in the most moving
terms solicited their aid; but true to the
world, his friends were extremely sorry
at his mi sforiune' but money was very
tight just then'-had sent away the last
dollar, very sorry that cannot accom-
odate you SC &c.
Disguised and in despair, Leslie turned
away. he scarcely knew whittier; he
travelled street after street almost perfect
ly unconscious Of his whereabouts. The
sun had Sc, and he turned his weary step.
towards home.
lie paused. mo, no. | cannot, l can.
not NEE. my wife to tell her that she
must leave her home. to 60, The Lord on.
" knows whittier canno, see my dear
babe turned into the street like the vilesi
beggar-no, no."
lie turned, retraced his steps; his
head whirled; his brain seemed on fire =,
blank despair rested like a mountain on
his breast; he paused on wharf he
looked down upon the dark waters; the
demon OF despair seemsL 'o Iecho" him
Inn- heavy hand laid upon his shoul'
der, caused the blood to bound through
his veins. On turning, he confronted a
little jet black negro.
HE, he, massa better glib up de idee
OBJ duck-,ake some turkey, var, har."
limp Of darkness" exclaimed Lesli
se,zing the African by the collar, "you'
business, quick. or by Heaven The duck
shall be yours"
The terrified black hastily placed a
folded note in Leslis hand, and made of
as fast as his crooked powers Of locomo
ton would permit.
Lesli unfolded the note aud read a.
follows
Mn. LEsLl W.,
DEAR SIR-You arc
requested to call at No. ~ - street, II
s o'clock tins evening. Come withou
fail.
Your Friend, w. II
Lesli hardly knew what to think o
this Ia conic message; he ran over in hi
mind al his city acquaintance, bu
could think OF no one answering 10 tn
initials, W. Il.
"This is doubtless designed to draw
me into some plot. ! will not CO." salt
he but hope whispered,
"rhis visit may open some doc
whereby l may escape the gulf Of pov
erfy and disgrace. which seems yawnin;
beneath"
Putting the letter into his pocket. h
directed his steps towards the No. de
.iguated, where he arrived, rang the bell
and was conducted into the elegant
furnished room, where, seated upon til
; sofa, was a noble looking gentleman. b
his side side sat a richly dressed lad'
while on the carpet were two children,
boy and girl, engaged in childish sport.
Lesli sighed. as this scene visidly pre-
.en,ed TO his view, his own little parlol
with its lovely occupants. Blu; he ha
little time 10 indulge in reverie, for NJ
!, sooner had he crossed the threshold. tina
= his hand was enthusiastically gnsped b!
, the gentleman.
my friend. my benefacsor." exclaim
+, ed he, SHANK Heaven, | am allowed tn
pleasure Of again behoiding your face.
III By this time the lady held the o'he
hand.
"Noble sir," said she, "do YOU not re'
ocnize in US your two poor captive
whom you saved from miserable oon'
Iage! See. see," she continued, vii
= Tears in her eyes, drawing to her side N