The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1856-05-24
THE MERCHANTS TEST.
Br MARY l.. MEASY.

"Dick, I am afraid the old man has taken
it into his head to send you adTift."
"Why, what can you mean, Philipf"
"Only that he was talking very earnestly
with Mr.. Oglethorp as went into his room
just now, and as they ceased very discreetly
at my entrance, took the liberty of waiting
outside the door till the conversation was re-
sumed, and heard enough to satisfy me
that Oglethorp has nephew who is about to
take your place"
What did you orerhear z"
"Merely sentence from each. Oglethorp
said, so you think my nephew will have no
difficulty in filling the place Of your head
clerk : and Beale replied, None whatever;
the other clerk, Philip Walden, has been in
my establishment long time, and can give
him little insight into our business affairs
il need be- did not wait to hear more,
but that was enough, l think"
$50 it would seem," was the reply, in
tone of deep dependency.
at is mean in the old man to discharge
you, and equally strange; if it was me now,
should no, think it so odd, but he has all
along seemed to think so much of you. But
its just like him, always doing something
out Of the common way"
Richard Wilkins was too sick at heart to
reply. lie turned to the desk and endeavor-
ed to concentrate his wandering thoughts
upon his work but in vain. The pen drop
ped from his fingers, and leaning his head on
his hand he gave full scope TO his sorrowi1i
and indignant feelings. When the two gen
tlemcn emerged from Mr.. Beales private
room he started like one guilty of secret
crime, and snatchiug the pen pretended to
be all absorbed in his duties. His tlurried
manner, so different from his usual quiet
composure, was noticed by his employer,
who drew his own conclusion thcretrom.-
Mr. Dg'ethorp was returning to his home in
Baltimore. His friend accompanied him to
the stesmboat. and on returning closely Oh
served his two clerks as he sauntered back
and forth through the store. Philips ap-
pearance indicated nothing unusual; but
Richard, though he had partially rcgaincd
his customary composurc, could not prevent
4 slight hesitancy and constraint when reply
ing to Nr. Beale's casual remarks.
Several days after, Mr. Beale brought Ri
chard letter TO seal and dcposi; in the post
Office as he went to dinner. At the same
time he sent Philip to a neighbOring store on
business, which would detain him some little
time, he then returned to his private room
Left to himself, Richard gazcd on the super
scIiption of the letter long and earnestly
words seems burned into ms brain. What
would he not give to know the contents of
that letter: Doubtless it related to the ne
phew who was to supplant him. Richard
hcstated, turning the letter over and over
Why could he not glance into 1t: 1t
not sealed-he would betray no confidence
Uy doing so-mOst of the business letters
we're given 10 him TO answer, and certainly
TO no one living would he reveal the contents
whatever they might be. These reflections
overcsme his strong repugnance to the act,
with 4 trembling hand he opened the letter
and read
DEAR SrR-I wish your nephew TO arrive,
if possible, BY Tuesday, the thirteenth, as
on that day young wilkins year will have
sTgEaSd 3Yg,,a &c On the spot tecnter im,redis.ely
on his duties. Truly yours,
The blood mounted to Richards brow as
he read. For an instant he forgot the conse-
ouences to himself Of the threatened blow in
Indignation at his employers duplicity.
-Four wears ago" be murmurcd, bitter
", aye, four years next Tuesday, entered
this store Not once since that day mas he
had occasion TO rcprove me tor the s!'Sh'es'
neglect or oversight: stern and exactinS as
he is. have given him no cause for com
plaint, and Mis is the end-has Is my re-
ward am to be discharged to MAKE room
for one of his friends connections l am
thankful opened the letter-now can pre-
pare for his treacher."
With a calnness that surprised himself,
the clerk scaled the letter and dropped 1t in
the post office as he had been directed. On
his way back to his employment he called at
the counting room of q merchant, whom, as
- IN wtI
knew. Richard wished to mate inquiries in
an indirect way for situation, but while he
was striving to form some question to this
ED the gentleman came to h:s relief. by ask
ing if he knew any young man in need OF a
situation whom he could recommend to HIM,
as he had vacancy for clerk. Richard
eagerly offered himself. Mr.. Curtis was
surprised that he should wish TO leave his
old place, but gladly accepted him, having
long admired the integrity and strict applica-
ton of the young man, whose praises he had
r,aucntly heard from Mr.. Beaie. The
yearly salary was named 1t was one hun
dred dollars more than Richard was now re
ceving; and having engaged to enter on the
duties of his new place on the foiiowing
Tuesday, he went with 4 light heart to his
old employment He did not mention his
intention to Mr.. Bcac, and so the week
passed without Mr. Curtis visiting the store.
He hoped that he had not met his employer,
for Richard had wish that the latter should
not hear how his treacherous scheme had
been defeated till the last moment.
On Monday evening Richard knocked at
the door of Mr. Beale's room, and in as few
words as possible requested the wages due
to him, as he was engaged TO go to another
house on the morrow.
II have known of your engagement Since
Wednesday," replied Mr.. Beale. "Mr. Cur
lis informed me of it. May l ask the motive
of this secret and unusual proceeding on
your part believe | gave you no cause
FOR so sudden determination TO quit my
employmeut--did 2"
"No cause. ~ Richard repeated. bitterly.
"Oh. no, sir, no cause, Of coursc-the clerk
is only the dupe, the save of the merchant,
and has no right to complain of any con-
duct, however iniquitous, OF which ne IS the
victim"
Your sarcasm is rather out Of place,
young man. replied Mr.. Beale, coolly. 81
asked if l had given you any canse OF Oh
fence. Iknow l have not-you falsely ina
pinc 1T have anu :h"s imagining, you
have done yourself great injury. Nay' no
ouestions-I will tell you all. Vn the Gay
that Mr.. Oglethorp was here | noticeu
great alteration in your looks, your words,
your whole conduct. l suspected at once
that Philip had overheard our conversation
and repeated it to you, in consequence Of
which YOU were disturbed in mind. This
natural, and was far from Blaming you !;
but it afforded me opportunity for test
which had peculiar reasons for desiring to
apply. penncd brief note to Mr.. Ogle-
thorp. gave it to you to seal, and watched
your after proceedings from that window. l
thought the temptation would prove severe
one. and that if you arose superior to it
! 7 need never have any fears concerning you.