Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1857-07-17
4 @aaA Siarg.
THE INVESTMENTS;
OR
THE TWO MERCHANTS,

dollars, to establish myself in a small
retail business?' inquired young
man not yet out OF his teens, Of a
middle aged gentleman, who was por-
ing over a pile Of ledgers, in one OF
the largest establishments in Boston.
The person addressed turned toward
the speaker, and regarding him for n
moment with look Of surprise, in
quired:
"What security can you give me,
Mr.. Strosserg"
"Nothing but my note. replied the
young man, promptly.
(which l fear would be below par
in market replied the merchant,
smiling.
Perhaps So" replied the young
man, "but, Mr.. Barton, remember
that the boy is not the man; the time
may come, when Hiram Strosscr's s
note will be as readily accepted, as
that Of any other man."
''True, very true, replied Mr.. Bar
ton, mildly, "but you know business
men seldom loan money without adj
equatc security, otherwise they might
soon be reduced TO penury."
At this remark the young mans
countenance became deadly pale, and
having observed silence OF several
moments, he inquired, in tones indi-
eating deep disappointment:
"Then you cannot accommodate
me, can your"
"Call on 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 singular errand,
that he found he could not pursue his
task with any correctness, and after
having made several blnnders, he
closed the ledger, took his hat, and
went out upon the street. Arriving
opposite tho door of wealthy NOR
chant in Milk 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 mer-
chant, blandly, "happy to see you,
have seat? any newsY how's trader
Without noticing these interroga-
tions, Mr.. Barton said:
"Young Strosser, is desirous Of es-
tablishing himself in small retail
business in Washington street, and
called this morning. to secure of me
loan of two thousand dollars for
that purpose
"Indeed!' exclaimed Mr.. Hawley
evidently surprised at this announce
ment; but you do not think of loan
ing that sum, do your
II do not know replied Mr.. Bar
ton, "Mr. Strosser is "a young man oil
business talent, and strict integrity,
aud will be likely to succeed in what
ever he undertakes"
Perhaps so,p said Mr.. Hawley,
doubtfully, "but | am heartily tired
OF helping to re-establish these young
aspirants for commercial honors."
Have you ever suffered any from
such course?" inquired Mr.. Barton
ut the same time casting n rogueisll
glance at Mr. Hawley.
"No, replied Mr.. Hawley, ''for
never felt inclined to make an in,
vestment of that kind
"Then there is fine opportunity
to do so. 1t may prove better thar
the stock in the bank. AS for your.
SELF / have concluded that, ii you
will advance one thousand dollars,
will contribute an equal sum-"
"Not single farthing would ad
vance for such a purpose, and if yor
make an investment Of that kind,
shall consider you very foolish"
Mr. Barton observed silence O
several moments, and then arose tC
depart.
''lf you do not feel disposed to take
part in the enterprise, / shall ad
vance the whole sum myself Say
ing which, he left the store.
!; X X X X
Ten years have passed away, since
the occurrence of the conversation
recorded in the preceding dialogue
and Mr.. Barton, pale and agitated, il
standing ut the same desk, as wher
first introduced to the readers atten
ton. AS page after page of his pom
derous ledger was examined, bis des
pair became deeper and deeper, ill
at last he exclaimed:
al am ruined-utterly ruined"
aIIow so, inquired Hiram Stros
ser, who entered the counting room
in time to hear Mr.. Barton's remark
'Thelast European steamer brough
news of the failure of the house G
Perich, Jackson and Co., London
who are indebted to me, in the sur
of nearly two hundred thousand do
lars. News of the failure has becom
general, and my creditors, panic
stricken, are pressing in my paper t
be cashed The banks refuse m
credit, and l have not the means I
meet my liabilities. If | could pas
this crisis, Perhaps | could rally {
gain, but it is impossible; my creditor
are importunate, and ] cannot niue
longer keep above the tide. replie
Mr.. Barton. Nh
What is the extent of your liabi
ities?" asked Strosser.
"Seventy-five thousand dollars
replied Mr. Barton.
Would that sum be sufficient
relieve your 4
lit would tga
Then sir, you shall have it, sa
Strosser, as he stepped up to the des
and drew q check for twenty thou
and dollars. Here, take this, al
when you need more, hesitate not
call unon me Remember that II W,