The weekly ledger., 1857-09-19
A FORTUNATE RUIN.
BY sYLvANUs COBB, JR.

George Ballerton sat in his room at his ho-
tel. He was young man of six-andtwen-
/ ty tall and slim of frame; with face of ex-
cecding intellectual beauty; and dressed in
costly garments, though his toilette was but
indifIerently performed He was an Orphan
and for some years had boarded at the hotel
1t required but a single glance into his pale
| features to tell that he was an invalid He
sat with his head resting upon his hands, and
his whole frame would ever and anon tremble
as though with some powerful emotion.
AS the youth sat thus his door was open
ed, and an elderly gentleman entered.
"Ah, doctor-you are moving early this
morning." said Ballerton, as he lazlly arose
from his seat and extended his hand
"Oh-not early for me, George" returned
Allyne, with bright smile. am an car
ly bird"
"Well, doctor-you've caught worm this
time"
81 hope twill prove valuable one"
81 don't know" sighed the youth. Il fear
thousand worms will inherit this poor body
ere longw
"Nonsense You're worth half century
yet" cried the doctor, giving him a gentle
slap on the shoulder. "But tell me, George
how is it with Rowland"
"Just as ] told you. A IL is gone"
81 don't understand it, George"
"Neither do l." said the young man, sor-
rowfully. THAT Charles Rowland could
have done that thing | would not-could not
have believed Why-had an angel ap-
peared to me two weeks ago, and told me
that Rowland was shaky, | would not have
paid moments attention TO it, But only
think: when my father died, he selected for
my guardian his best friend-and such be-
lieve even now Charles Rowland was--and in
his hands he placed all his wealth. for him to
keep until | should become of age. And
when did arrive at that period of life | left
my money where it was. | had no use for
it. Several times, within three or four years
has Rowland asked me to take my money and
invest it, but would not. | bade him keep
it, and use it if he wished only asked that
when wanted money he would honor my
draft | felt more safe, in fact, than should
have felt had my money been in bank on
deposit"
''How much had he when he leftf'
"How much of mine?"
"Yes."
"He should have had one hundred and
twenty thousand dollars"
"What do you mean to do?"
"Ah-you have me on the hip there"
"And yet you must do something, q Gorge.
God knows | would keep you if | could. |
shall surely claim the privilege of paying your
debts, however"
"No, no, doctor--none Of that
"But | tell you shall | shall pay your
debts, but beyond that | can only help ycu to
help yourself. What do you say to going to
sea?'
A faint smile swept across the youths pale
features at this remark.
81 should make a smart hand at sea, doc
tor can hardly keep my legs on shore
No, mo- must--"
"Must whatw
"Alas! know not / shall die. That
is ALL"
Nonsense, George ! say 60 to sea-
You couldn't 60 into store; and you
wouldn't if you could. You do not wish to
remain here amid the scenes Of your happier
days. Think of it At sea you will be free
from the sneers of heartless snobS, and free
from all contact with things you loathe.--
Think of it,"
George Ballerton started to his feet and
paced the floor for some minutes When he
stopped q bew life seemed at work within
him.
'If / went to sea what could do?"
"You understand all the laws of foreign
trader"