Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-10-19
A STAB IN THE DARK.

nee, awaiting the presence OF his young
cashier, Charles Lewis.
Mr.. Holt had told Charles that he
wished to see him at eight o'clock in the
evening; and the clock was striking that
hour when Charles entered the Office.
You wished to see me, Mr.. Holt 2
remarked Charles manly and hand
some youth of twenty three-and speak
ing with coldness that would have star
tied the proud broker at any other time.
Take seat, sir said CASTOR Holt
have something of great importance
to say TO you
1t cannot be of more importance than
what l have to say to him. thought
Charles, as he sat down facing his en-
ployer, who was tall, hard featured
man, over fifty years of age.
CASTOR Holt gazed at the young man
gor some time in stern silence, and was
evidently puzzled how to begin his con-
versation. At length, he said:
Mr. Lewis, you have been in my en-
ploy nearly three months, think ?
Your are right, SIR replied Charles.
'If you were discharged, Mr. Lewis,
you would find it very difficult to be en-
gagged elsewhere
Very true. Mr.. Holt; New Orleans
is crowded with applicants for all kinds
of employment
You are also largely indebted TO nc,
Mr. Lewis, for money advanced
/ am indebted to you, Mr.. Holt l
was much in debt to others when I en-
tered your office but at your earnest So
licitation l allowed you to assume those
debts incurred by becoming security for
those whom thought not only honest
men, but personal friends. / am very
grateful said Charles Lewis.
Prove that gratitude, Mr.. Lewis
To give you a chance to prove it, have
desired this interview continued Holt.
i trust in my industry and ability
began Charles, much astonished at the
sudden paleness that swept over Mr..
Holt's dark countenance.
i know-I know, of course cried
AIr. Holt, springing up, and pacing the
floor. But l demand stronger proof
I demand sacrifice. Young man, am
Informed that you are about to marry
Charles flushed crimson, but remained
silent; while Mr.. Holt, having worked
himself into passion, resumed:
'At least 1 know that you and Olivia
Sincini, the Italians daughter, have
plighted your vows ?
That is true, Mr.. Holt The matter
IS wholly hers and mine, said Charles,
rising in his turn, and drawing himself
very erect. l see no reason for its in
PRODUCTION here, sirP
Il will give you a reason, Charles
Lewis said Mr. Holt, in slow, deep
tone. I love Olivia Sancini.'
'Youl-Whatp cried Charles, start
ing back. . I was not aware that you
had ever seen her.
You know it now, Charles Lewis
And now I demand that you shall imme-
diately relinquish all pursuit of her hand.
Come, she is only fruitman's daughter
and young man of your appearance and
fine prospects can surely make a higher
match than to wed the daughter of Jer-
ONE Saneini.'
Il might make the same remark tc
Mr.. CASTOR Holt,' retorted Charles, with
singing contempt, and speak falsely
for Olivia Sancini, is worthy of the no
blest. You demand too much, Mr.. Holt
You insult me by making such a propo
sal!
i will tell you young man, my hear
is set upon making her my wife, excIaim
ed Mr.. Holt. Beware how you stand
in my way! am bitter enemy, Mr.
Lewis; / saved your reputation in as
suming your debts remember that ?
Il have not forgotten it, Mr.. Holt
my reputation as business man, but no
as an honest man. Were | to live /;
thousand years, should never place my
honesty in jeopardy
You refuse? You assume higf
crest to me Charles Lewisr cried Castor
Holt, bitterly, and clenching his hands
Twill discharge you; will strip you ant
your mother of every dollar you have
will crush you to the dust with loaC
of debt. Young man, the debtor is {
slave-a soul slave to his creditor
Il owe yon, Holt, this amount, sait
Charles, drawing forth pocket book
and counting out upon the table roll o
bank bills. There is what owe yon
Give me receipt in full, and take it.
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