Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1859-04-30

upou Spicer, but always the same old re-
fusal met his applications. The shrewd, un.
scrupulous man knew that the end must
come that, sooner or later, Oglethorpe
must be driven under, and he was not go.
ing to have even triaing risk in so leaky
a ship.
One day, It was over o year from the
time MIR. Oglethorpe began bis uphill work,
the embarrassed man found himself in more
than usual trouble. There were notes to
pay, and sums Of borrowed money to re-
turn, making an aggregate that exceeded
two thousand dollars. With feelings scarce
ly more pleasant than the criminals on his
way to trial, Mr. Ogethorpe entered bis
place Of business, and without glancng
over the morning paper sat down at his
desk and began to figure up the days pay
ments. A sigh that almost betrayed itself
in a groan, gave painful evidence that the
result had been reached.
Twenty-three hundred I" he said to
himself aud his heart sank within him.
Where so large an amounts to come from,
is beyond my skill to guess Alb, me !
This ma: ter is growing worse aud worse
The night gets darker. My feet are more
entaugled to day than they were six mouths
ago. Iustead of finding way out of this
labyrinth Of embarrassment l am getting
more involved, and / fear even the clue is
lost All my time is spent in money-rais-
ing, to the neglect of business, and conse-
quent decline. Heaven help me / fear
the case'is past hope."
The unhappy man sat in this gloomy state
for some time, then aroused himself, and
started forth on his daily round of solicita-
tion. He had twenty-three hundred dol
lars to raise, and must be active if he ex-
pected to get through 1t is not our pur-
pose to follow him step by step. Almost
any reader can imagine the trials, disap.
pointment and humiliation attendant on
the work he had taken on hand. At two
o'clock, Mr. Oglethorpe found himself still
short about FIVE hundred dollars. Where
was the amount to come from ? He had
exhausted every resource within reach, and
in order to collect his thoughts had return
ed to his place of business. Weary, wretch
ed, and sick in body aud mind was the
poor, haFrassed almost broken-down bcr-
rover. Thought turned everywhere, but
could discover no new resource.
Perhaps something might be obtained
from Spicer,' was at last suggested. But
the suggestion was thrown aside as soon
as offered 1t came up again. was revolv-
ed for q moment or two, and again dis
missed.
1t will never do TO give it up = A feel
ing Of desperation caused Mr.. Oglethorpe
to start to his feet, as he said this Some
thing must be done. / will see Spicer.-
He can help me and he must
And without waiting for reconsideration,
he started forth again. A rapid walk
brought him. in few minutes, to the store
of Mr.. Spicer.
Went home an hour ago. was the an
swer which met his inquiry.
DO you expect him to return before three
O'Clock I?
No. He is unwell, and said on leaving,
that he would not be at the store again to-
day.
Miserable, Mr.. Oglethorpe turned slowly
away.
1t is my last chance said he to himself,
as he gained the street. This man must be
Sen or all is lost
And SO he went to the house of Mr..
Spicer.
Who wants to see me p He heard this
Interrogation made in no amiabIe tone, as
the servant who answered the bell went
back to announce the visitor. To the SER
wants reply, came the further question
Did you say was inP
Yes SIR
'Confound him What does he come
bothering me here for Show him in ?
1t was too late to retreat. Feeling like q
culprit, poor Oglethorpe, with forlorn as
pect, entered the room where Spicer await
ed him.
We'll, sir What's wanted p roughly
interrogated the bear in his den.
"I-I am short to d-day, few hundred
dollars stammered out Oglethorpe.
We'll, what's that to me p returned Spi-
Ger, with a roughness akin to his nature.
Nothing-only-bu you see it's hard
on to three o'clock-and"
Oglethorpe choked and could say no
more.
We'll, growled Spicer, 1et three O'Clock
come, and the quicker it comes the better
for you, aud all miserable fools like you.'
Sir 7 This outrage penetrated beyond
the borrower, and reached the man. Ogle.
thorpe'S cringing manner gave way to an
erecter attitude, and his face of depressed
solicitation changed its look to one of in
dignaut feeling. Sir, this is mean as well as
cruel,' he said with sternneSs Of tone that
added anger to the others i'll nature, aud
made him still more reckless of speech.
The truth may always be spoken, and
if it hurts, it is because it tells home,' re-
torted Spicer, with increased asperity Of
manner. You are a miserable fool, and
have been playing the fool over year, a.
all other men do who start upon that worst
of all fools errand's, borrowing themselves
out OF debt man may work himself out
Of debt, but he might as well try to empty
the ocean with an oyster shell, as to borrow
himself out of debt. There, sir you have
my sentiments aud l hope they will dc
you good
Without word of reply, Mr.. OglethorpC
turned away, and left the house. The trutt
which came from the lips of Spicer was q
sharp sword that cut away down into the
haaPt of oOnvictIon