Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1856-11-07
miscellaneous.
THE INVESTMENT;
OR, TIE TWO MERCHANTS.

Can you loan me two thousand dol
lars to establish myself in small retail
business p inquired young man not out
of his teens of middle aged gentleman,
who was porting over a pile of ledgers in
the counting-room of one of the largest
establishments of Boston. The person
addressed turned toward the speaker, and
regarding him for momont with look
of surprise, inquired
+ : What security q On you give e mo M lr,
Strosserp
Nothing but my note" replied the
young man promptly
Which, | fear. would be below par in
the Market" replied the merchant, smi-
lingly.
Perhaps so, the young man replied,
"but, Mr.. Barton, remember that the
boy is not the man; the time may come
when Hiram Strosser's note will be as
readily accepted as that of any other
man."
"Truc, very true" replied Mr.. Bar
ton mildly, "but you know business men
seldom loan money without adequate Sc
curity-othcrwisc they might soon be re-
duced to penury."
At this remark the young mans coun-
tenance became deadly pale, and having
observed silence for several moments,
he inquired in voice whose tones indi-
Gated keen disappointment:
"Then you cannot accommodate me,
can your
Call upon me tomorrow, and / will
give you a 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 singular GRAND, that he could
not pursue his task with any correctness;
and after having made several blunders,
he closed the ledger, took his hat and
went out upon the street. Arriving OPP
posite the door Of wealthy merchant in
Mill street, he entered the door.
Good morning, Mr.. Hawley," said
he, approaching the proprietor of the
establishment, who was seated at his
desk, counting over the profits Of the
week.
Good morning. replied the merchant
dandy, "happy to sec you; have a
seat? Any news, how's trade 2"
Without noticing these interrogations,
Mr.. Barton said
" Young Strosser is desirous Of estab-
fishing himself in small retail business
in Washington street, and called this
to secure Of me loan Of two
thousand dollars for that purpose"
Indeedw exclaimed Mr.. Hawley,
evidently surprised at this announce
ment; "but you don't think Of loaning
that sum, do your
II do not know" rcpliedAfr Barton.
''Mr. Strosscr is young man Of bust
ness talent and strict integrity, aud will
DC likely to succeed in whatever he un-
lertakes"
Perhaps So" replied Mr.. Hawley, |
loubtfully; "but ] am heartily tired off
lclping to establish these young aspirants
or commercial honors"
"Iayc you ever suffered any from
UGH course n inquired Mr.. Barton, at |
he same time casting roguish glance
It Mr.. IIawley.
"No,n replied Mr.. Hawley, "for /
lcvcr felt inclined to make an Investment
f that kind"
"Thcn there is fine opportunity to
10 SO. IL may prove better than the
took in the bank. AS for myself, III
ave concluded that, IL you win advance
nc thousand dollars, ! will contribite an
quail sum-"
"Not single fartiing would I adj
'ance for such q purpose; and if you
make an investment Of that kind, l shall
consider you very foolish"
Mr.. Barton observed silence Of sew
raj Moments, and then rose to depart.
'I6you do pot feel disposed to share
With me inthe enterprise, ! shall advance
he whole sum myself Saying which
ie left the store.
Ten years had passed away since the
occurrence Of the conversation recorded
n the preceding dialogue, and Mr.. Bar
on, pale and agitated, is standing at the
anne desk as when first introduced TO the
'eadcr's attention, AS page after page
If his ledger was examined, his despair
became deeper and deeper. till at last he
u am ruincd--utterly ruinedl''
" How soY" inquired Hiram Strosser,