Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1860-03-24

% the other hand, M. Fashion who
livsd beyoed bic aassns, kaPt fsst horse
aud u,istress, daAded Rslph's keen OBJ
servad>o, and lnged to Gst him out Of
an osnblishuoni, " which ehe head
clerk WIS anything bdt = ihithfui servant.
Ralph's eager and indefatigable study of
the miuutsst details of tho business in
which his employers we're engaged,
awakened the delinqaent's darn, and
not without reason.
Ralph observed that he had been sent
more than once by the head clerk to
take MP note that had never been en-
tered in the bill book OF the firm, and
also that Fashion was frequently found
in tho company Of young army officers
and other dashing fellows, spending
money too Iavishly for . person Of bis
limited means. Becoming assured that
Fashion was guilty Of embe excitement, he
limited his suspicious to the ecnior part
ner, who, with look Of displeasure re-
piled,
''rhis is no doubt, meant for zeal,
Ralph, but believe me it savors Of exces-
sive officiousness. Our head clerk en-
joys our perfect confidence, which / am
well assured is not misplaced"
Ralph was disconnected by this an
swcr, and wondered whether he was
really mistaken. 1t is none Of my busi-
ness, said he to himself and then again
he thought it was, and that, a. he had
undertaken it be had better obey his
fathers dying injunction, and Strike
home !"
His conversation with Mr.. Alfred T.,
was, however, overheard, and Fashion,
in state OF virtuous indignation, de-
manded an examination into the affair,
and the punishment of the caluminator.
Mr.. Alfred T, cndeavored to soothe
Mr.. fashions wounded feelings, but he
retorted upon his accuser, and asked to
have Ralph's desk examined. Mr..
Lowndes, the junior partner, complied
with his request, and found several fin
ished and unfinished forged notes on the
6rm in Ralph's drawer, which discovery
had hardly been made ere Ralph himself
entered, and was confronted by this evil
dence Of his guilt. Although much
shoe ked he stood firm, and calling up-
on himself to " strike home" boldly &C.
cused Flashton Of having forged the
notes and put them in his drawer. But
even Mr.. Alfred T sided with the
confidential clerk.
"Mr. Fashion" said Ralph, "confe.s
your crime at once, while your employ
ers have the will and power to save you,
for, if you persist in attempting to fasten
your guilt on me moment longer,
swear that even they shall not prevent
your condign punishment"
The partners were astonished at
Ralph's audaclty,b but Mr.. Fashion tossed
his head in affected lofty contempt.
Ralph left the counting house without
another word, and those he had quilted
so abruptly presumed he had fled, but in
less than an hour he returned with two
officers, to whom, after they hsd arrested
Fashion, he gave himself in custody.
Fashion turned pale as death, and
when Ralph exhibited a list of notes, &C.
tuaIly outstanding against the firm, none
of which appeared in the bill-book, and
one of which, drawn prior to Ralph's
acquaintance with Mr.. Alfred =,
had been renewed several times, he be-
came confused, and at length declined to
render any explanation.
The affair ended in Fashions ruin,
and Ralph's exsltation in the opinion Of
bis employers, who evinced their appre-
citation of his honesty, energy, and de-
cision, by taking him into partnership
when he became Of age. They never
had cause to regretthcir liberality for his
business tact and talent have rendered
theirs one of the richest, most pros
porous, and influential firms in tho
country.
Ralph Roman has remembered his
fathers motto in every crisis Of his life,
and though his calling is as peaceful as
the old warriors was dangerous and
bloody, his ''strike home." has told with
equal effect and certainty, and won as
many victories for Ralph, as it did for
his ancestor.
Ralph fell in love with beautiful heir
ess, whom he at first hardly burst lift his
eyes to, but Just as he YVES about to
laugh at the presumption of his wish, he
recalled the injunction his sire had be-
queathed him, aud by obeying it, won a
lady unrivalled in excellence and lowell
ness, a greater treasure than the wealth
of worlds could purchase, who has proved
the annshino and iov nf his ow;atonco
Ralph Is, we understand, about to re-
tire from his mercantile business, and in
tends to represent his native town in
Congress. We hopo he will, for few
such legislators as he would make, would
by striking home" save a country on
the brink Of ruin from destruction, and
enhance to the utmost, its prosperity and
glory.
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