Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1858-01-01

and now possessing better location,
though his rent was somcwhat higher.
the difference was more than compen-
sated by the increasing facilities it had
afforded him. If his business increas-
Cd Is it had done, he would BE- ena-
bled to clear himself Of debt in another
year.
He was getting along fast in his own
estimation, and cherished = supreme
contempt for the slow motion Of his
friend. But in the middle Of the year,
when he found himself running down
the hill, and discovered that Ben's
store was crowded with shoppers, but
his own was empty, feeling Of envy
took possession Of him. Ben must be
underselling he concluded, and sooner
or later the consequence would appear.
The prosperous merchant could not
but notice the sad and detected mem
of his friend, as he entered the store.
How are you, Joel You are al
most 4 stranger lately. Where do
you keep yourself!' said Ben.
business. Ben, business, replied Joe
demurely.
Good! Business before pleasure
Anything over to-day? asked Joe
but the query was not put in the
buoyant and classic tone which had
distinguished him in former times.
"A triAe; how much do you want 2
returned Ben promptly.
TO tell the truth, I'm bang up I
have note of four hundred to pay, and
have not raised the first dollar tow
ards it.
You are late it is half past one now
said Ben, consulting his watch.
Ben, | am In tight place. said Joe
in low, solemn tone.
"Indeed! l am sorry to hear it."
and Ben's face wore an expression of
sincere pity. "Nothing serious, l
hope?"
Pm afraid so.'
what can l do tor your and the
merchant took down his check book
and examined the state OF his bank &C.
count.
4 can give you check for three
hundred, if that will do any good, con-
tinued Ben, taking up his pen to fill out
the blank.
Thank you Ben, you are very kind,
but l don't know as | ought to take it,
Not take it why not 2
If l should pay this note, there is
hardly a possibility that 1 could get
through with the month
so bad as thatl Pom my soul I'm
sorry to hear it.
"Smith and Jones advise me to make
an assignment
How does it happen? thought you
wero doing WE'LL
Business has been dull for the
last six months. Haven't you found it
so?'
We'll, no, it has been thriving with
me-
Joe knew it had; his present visit
was not to borrow money, but to pre-
pare his friend for the smash, which
was now unavoidable.
MY sales have been light continued
he /; 4 can't account for it.
4 can; look here Joe.'
Ben took down the ledger and poin-
ted to the account charges" where the
sums paid for advertising had been en-
tered. On slip Of paper no had them
footed up.
'Fivo hundred and sixty dollars
for advertising, Joe! that's what did
the business.
Joe was astonished. It was quite
as much as he had paid for fine things
in his house and for parties and the
opera but the investment had been
vastly more profitable, inasmuch as,
taken in connection with his careful
management Of business, and his eco
nomical manner of living, it had been
the foundation of his future fortu.sai
1t had given him a good start in b. s'
ness, and good start Is half the badl
tie. 81
Joe Weston failed, and only pisa,
twenty cents on the dollar. His fise
furniture was all sold, and he was ol,sa,
ged to board out. But in his extrel i.
ity Ben was his true friend. He :
ceived him into his house, and VIII
his business was settled up, took hns
into partnership.
The firm is now one of tho most
spectacle and prosperous in the eli sa
Joe ever since his "bang up" belle &: &c
in advertising, and any one who ope -
the Journal, or indeed any of the Csc
papers, cannot fail to notice the ctslIea
spicious advertisement of "WEsroN
Co." q
= DTS