The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1859-02-23

There is no doubt Of it. I received nv
information from those who have the best
right to know"
What mas he done !" asked eagerly.
My question was received in silence. az
i the meaning were not clearly apprehend.
ed.
" Is he defaulter ~
+" No." The answer showed surprise at
my question.
+" Has he betrayed an honorable trust re.
posed in him by his fellow menf"
/" No, sir; his integrity is without ques-
tion. In all his public relations he was true
as steel to principle"
What then Has he placed any por-
tion OF his property beyond the reach of
creditors who have just claims upon him :"
+" tie has given up everything, even to the
furniture of his house. Not a shilling has
been retained, and he goes forth into the
world ruined man."
go no." said |, speaking out warmly;
" not in any sense ruined man. The mer-
chant may be ruined, but, thank God the
man is WHOLE"
| The little company looked at me for
moment or two, half in surprise.
"The man is all right" went on. "Only
the seaffolding on which the workmen stood
who were building up his character, has
fallen. Erect, calm, noble, half divine, he
stands now, in the sunshine and in the storm.
Around his majestic brow the clouds may
gather; upon it the tempest may beat; but
he is immoyable in his grand integrity"
| Some smiled at my enthusiasm. To them
there was nothing Of the morally sublime in
~ -
more thoughtful than before; and one said
feebly':
"There is something in that"
Something in that should think there
was.
Il was the first intelligence had received
Of my friends worldly misfortunes, and it
grieved me. In the evening went to see
Jacob Atwood. The windows of the elegant
residence where he had lived for years were
closed. looked up at the house-it had a
deserted aspect. rung the bell; no one
answered my summons.
could not repress the feeling Of sadness
that came over me. The trial must have
been severe even for brave heart like his.
/ must find him." said |. And | did
find him but far away from the neighbor-
hood where merchant princes had their palace
houses. The house into which he had retir-
ed with his family looked small and mean
and cOmtOrtless, in comparison with the ele-
giant abode from which he had removed. |
rung and was admitted. The parlor into
which was shown was a small room. and
often see in the houses Of well.to-do me-
chanics, or clerks on moderate salaries. But
Everything was in. order, and scrupulously
. neat.
I had made--only a hurried observation
when Mr.. Atwood entered. He looked
something careworn, his face was paler than
when last saw him, his eve a little duler,
his smile less cheerful. The marks of trial
aud suffering were plainly visible. II would
have been almost miracle had ii been other.
wise. But he did not exhibit the aspect Of a
; ruined man. lie grasped my hand warmly
and said il was pleasant to look into the face
Of an old friend. ! offered him words ol
sympathy.
: The worst is over" he answered with
manly. cheeriulness, !" and nothing is lost
which may not be regained. have found
the bottom, know where am, and there j,
strength enough left in me to stand up Sc.
curely amid the rushing waters. The best o.
hll lss Hlg plnpIliNs MnAIH uaa UNSH dppuis
toned 10 my creditors, will pay every debt
That gives nv heart its lightest pulsaiions.' ;
, :" heard that you we're ruined" said I
as we set taking together; but find thai
, the man is whole. Nota principle invaded
BY the enemy-not moral sentiment lost
not jewel il the crown Of honor missing
lie took MY hand, and grasping il hard
looked into my face steadily for some mo
ments. Then, 10 snbduet voice, he made
answer:
al trust that il is even so. my friend
But there were seasons in the worse than
Egyptian night through which have passed
when the tempter's power seemed about tu
crush me. For myself cared little for my
wife aud children everything. The thought
Of seeing them go out from the pleasant home
, had provided for them, and step down, iaI
down, to lower level in the. social grade
half distracted me for time. For them
would have brased everything but dishonor,
could not stoop to that. And so | passed
the fiery ordeal, and have come out, verify
believe. a better man. No, no! no! my
. friend, am not ruined. ] have lost my for
tune, but not my integrity"
And 81 the man stood firm. II was not in
the power Of any commercial disaster to ruin
him. The storm ragged luriously the waves
beat madly against him but he stood im.
movable, for his feet were upon the solid
rock Of honor.