Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1858-07-30
M iseella
THE FORTUNATE RUIN.

George Ballerton sat in his room in his
hotel. He was young man Of six and
twenty tall and slim Of frame, with face
of exceedingly intelligent beauty, and
dressed in costly garments, though his toll
ct was indifferently performed. He was an
orphan and for some years had boarded at
tho hotel. 1t required but single glance
into his pale features to tell that'he was an
invalid. He sat with bis head resting up
on his hands, and his whole frame would
ever and anon shake as with some powerful
emotion.
As the youth sat thus, his door was
opened and mn elderly gentleman entered
"Ah, doctor, you aro moving early this
morning" said Balcrton, as 1le leisurely
rose irG.sn his scat and extended his hand.
ooh! not carly for me George" returned
Allync, with a bright smile, 81 am m car
ly bird"
"Well you've caught worm this time" p"
~ hope it will provo valuable one"
81 don't know" sighed the youth. ~ fear
thousand worms will inherit this poor body
ere long"
"Nonsense! You are worth half centu-
ry yet" cried tho doctor, giving him a gen.
tlc slap on tho shoulder. "But just tell me,
George, how is it with Rowland"
"Just ms l told you. All is gone"
81 don't understand it."
"Ncither do l." said tho Young man sor-
rowfully. "That Charles Rowland could
have done that thing, would not, and
could not have belived it. Why, had an
angel appeared 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 even now believe Charles Row.
land was, and in his hands he placed all his
wealth, for him to keep until l should be-
come of age. And when did arrive al
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 l would not. only asked that when
I wanted money he would honor my de-
mand. / felt more safe, in fact, than ]
should have felt had my money boon in o
bank on deposit"
"How much had he when he lett"
"How much Of miner
"Yes."'
ale should have had n hundred thousand
dollars.
"What do you mean to dor
"Ah! you have mo on the hip there"
"And vet you must do something, George
Heaven knows | would keep you if could
l shall claim the privilege of paying your
debts, however"
"No, no, doctor-none Of that"
"But / tell yon l shall pay your debts
but beyond that can only assist you to hclI
yourself. What do you say to going L
seat
A faint smile swept over the youths pail
features at this remark.
~ should make smart hand at sea, doc
tor, l can hardly keep my legs on Shore
No-no-I must"
"Must what"
"Nonsensc, George. 1 say, go to sea-
You couldn't go into a shop, and You woulc
not if YOU could. You do not wish to re
main here amid the scenes of your happie
days. Think of it.
George Ballerton started to his feet anC
paced tho floor for some minutes. Whel
he stopped a new life seemed already a
work within him.
"If went 10 sea what should getf'
"You understand all the laws Of foreigI
trade I"
ayes. You know I had thorough
schooling at that in my fathers counting
house."
"Then you can have the berth of super
cargo"
'Arc you sure can get onOr
"Yes."
Sand the salarya' 81
"Two thousand dollars"
"Doctor, Twill GO"
George Ba,lerton walked one evening L
the house of the wealthy merchant, Andrew
Wilton. 1t was palatial dwelling, an'
many hopeful happy hour had he spen
beneath its roof. He rang the bell anC
was admitted to the parlor. In few mo
ments, Mary Wilton entered. She wa
just twenty. She had been waiting unit
that age TO be George Ballerton's wife,"
Some words wore spoken--many mo
Jmcnts OF profound silence ensued.
"Mary You know all; am going upol
the sea. ] arm going to work for my living
! am going forth from my native land I
'bsggar. Iosupot stay long now. Mary