The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-05-07
CHAPTER V
@-s~~sss~~
VOLU NJ E Y.

When Edward Malcolm had hidden
the venerable stranger and his beautiful
daughter farawell, he resumed the consid.
eraiiaH af the, 10 him, important matter,
which bad been broken off by the inter
view with them. lie had not forgotten
She name Of Fsiffax & Goodman, to
whom his singular reasoning had given
the preference, and securing their address,
hs dsieFmined to make his first spplics.
tion to them. They were large dry good.
dealers on tho Bay; men Of sterling char
aetsr and reputation, but not likely to en-
gage in thuii employ a perfect stranger,
without the shadow Of recommends ton.
Edward called at their establishment, and
asking TO SEQ the proprietor, wa. invited
10 walk back, and Was ushered into the
Private Saoctum."
Mr.. Faitfax was present, and his ap.
pearance did no, belle Edwards precon.
ceived opinion. lie was = middle aged
gentleman, rather tall, With truly be
nsvolent and frank expression of counte.
nance at the Same time, h. had that un-
mistsleabls business air, and ksenness Of
perception, so necessary for the success Of
any undertaking, that brings Us ia con.
tact With the world. His manner WIS
blaad syd courteous to Edward, and lie
Immediately beggej to know in what man.
ner ke could serve him.
My namo is Carlton. SIR" said FL.
war1, and ] have called to see if there
is vacant clerkship in your establish.
ment, and If so, whether ! can be 50 for.
iunnte as to obtain it,"
Il am sorry to say" answered Mr..
Fairfax, "thst We have no vacancy n,
present, Mr.. Carlton; that is none par,ic.
nlarly." he added after pause. "Wers
you directed to US I"
"Nn, sir. accident, alone. has directed
Te; am a stranger in Savannah"
"foY cer:ainly have recommends.
tionsr asked M. Fairfax.
mo, sir, not one" frankly replied our
hero.
Mr.. Fairfax directed upon him a search.
ing glance, that might have had in i, a
Touch Of honest suspicion, but Edward
met his gaze without blanching, and his
inquisitor could detect nothing but an
open and manly countenance, over which
misfortune had, perhaps, cast shade Of
gloom. Mr.. Fairfax WAS an excellent
reader OF character, and in this instance.
blt conclusions were not at fault. Edward
frankly acquainted him with portion of
his history, without mentioning names, or
descending to particulars, which partly
accounted for his present needy situation.
~. Fairfax was interested in his visitor,
and that interest was increased, when he
learned that Edward was the heroic strau-
ger, whose conduct in rescuiag from death
his fellow passenger, the morning papers
bad 80 gallantly described. Said he
Yours being peculiar case, Mr.. Carl
ton, | am willing to deviate from our gen
era! rule, and will see il We cannot accom-
nodate you"
Edward felt as II heavy weight had
been taken from him.
AT all evenls," continued Mr.. Fairfax.
"we will make the. trial, and see whether
We, Ss9, agree. What partisnlar par, Of
our Business would yoa like TO engage
pT
Edward declared his willingness TO un.
deriake anything that lie might suggest.
Are you good accountantf" asked
NJ. Fairfax.
In theory. yes" answered Edward.
"but have never had the advantage OF
practice"
~ thought ofp!aeing you In ,ba, de.
gartment, which, PERHAPS, will be more
cOngenial TO your feelings, than the char
acter Of salesman. IL correct in INV sun
position, will place you under the in.
struclions Of our Head Clerk, Mr.. Haskell,
whom you will ffnd a vsry gsn,lems9llS
companion.
EEsdwasd xsrp!ly expressed his thanks;
y wac paw laS he had expected, and
after stipylatpg fpC Q. small monthly sal
ary, (Mr. Fairfax rsWasking that its in.
crease would be coglInspsurate with the
tact and energy he eyipoed Tor his avoca-
ton. u was arrssgea that his services
shouid commence on The fplloMipg day.
The balance Of the present. day lie was
in procuring private lodgings,
which, besides being rp6re suited TO h;s
taste than the basils OF an Hotel. would
sfs better pr~aond With ,I,s scaniiness