The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-02-14
From the Western Sentinel
REWARD OF FAITHFULNESS.


whose veracity, is not questioned, and who lived
in the City of Baltimore at the time. He gave it
| as facts, and says, "numbers now living In that
city can testify to the same."]
In the City of Baltimore, State of Maryland,
lived in the year 1914, very rich Merchant, who
had an only daughter In the same locality lived
exceedingly poor boy of tender age; boy of
unusual amount of good sense, and a natural
disposition to be obedient to all whose charge he
might be IN. 'srrIE Eo4 13EE
This merchant, seeing the bent of the boys
mind, took him in his own family and educated
him. BY this time, finding him to be an honest
boy, he placed him in his store: First as packing
boy, to pack boxes and place goods upon the shelf
From this he commenced selling toys, knives,
harps, &c, Every step indicating marked shrewd
ness, until he became principal salesman. After
which he became sole manager of the books, cash,
&C. Now we can imagine him to be man in every
sense of the word.
At an early age he formed attachments for this
only daughter, such as lovers only form, which
were amply reciprocated by the daughter They
managed the affair so slyy that her parents never
mistrusted anything like courtship between
them. They had long since made the customary
agreement, which is commonly made prior to
uniting in bonds,-that is, that the "twain should
be one flesh" But how to consumate the thing
without incurring the old mans displeasure was
puzzle with them; for, to obtain the old mans
sanction or disapproval, acknowledgement
of the existing fact, which might lead to disastrous
results. ....
A young man of his natural shrewdness could
not long remain in dilemma like this without
calling to his aid, some of that abundant store of
craftiness, for which he was so much noted, to
extricate himself. The sequel plainly shows, that
little time for thought was the only requisite for
the accomplishment of this important matter
So one morning as the merchant came in, the
young man was sitting by the desk, with an air of
deep concern upon his countenance. Seeing it,
the old man thus accosted him.
"Charey, what is the cause of this deep concern?
You appear to be in trouble" . .
At this the young man paused, and appeared
reluctant to tell .~.- .---.
The merchant continued, "Charley, I have
always been your friend, and am yet willing to aid
you in any way that I can. Why need you be
backward in giving the cause of your melancholy
state of mind?'
To which Charley replied, ~ have been courting
rich mans daughter an only heir, and have
promised to marry her.-My penniless condition
deprives me of the means to consumate the matter
in as much splendor as [ would like; besides | am
fearful her parents will oppose the union, and will
have to resort to an clopement before [ obtain
her"
At hearing this reply, the old man rose, went to
the desk and took out So 000 placed it in Charleys
hand and said 81 have always trusted you, and you
have never betrayed your trust; [ yet willing
to trust you. My horses, carriage and driver are
at your command at any moment you need them.
And [ will tell Tom to keep them in readiness for
you-All of which [ faithfully promise to keep
secret"
With this reply Charley's countenance changed,
saying 81 will replace the money"
YES" interposed the merchant, "I know you
WILL for you have always been faithful to me-"
AT the next interview of Charley and hisintended,
he explained the matter, and they agreed upon
time and place to meet, from whence they would
elope into Virginia and get married. the distance
being 80 miles. The laws of Maryland require
certificate from the parents before couple can
marry.
On the evening agreed upon by them for their
elopement, Miss Bette, daughter of the rich
merchant, obtained permission of her mother to
visit MIR Rs family, promising to return that
evening But when the old gentleman came into
tea, he inquired why Bette was not in. The
lady replied she is gone to pay Mr. RS family
visit, and promised to return before night. The
rain falls in such torrents that shall not expect
her till morning, when | will go over and help
her home"
In the meantime Charley had ordered the horses
harnessed to the carriage, and Tom to drive for
him. Next morning the old lady repaired to Mr.
RS inquiring for Bette. To which Mrs. r.
replied, :she has not been here nor have not
seen her." This reply agitated the old lady very
much. She fastened home to inform the merchant
of Bettie's absence. On receipt Of this news the
old man appeared astounded for moment. But
a little reflection and he said, abe not uneasy,
Charley is with her. He told me of this,
understood him not. Withal | furnished him
means, horses, carriage and Tom to drive. Make
further inquiry, l will telegraph Charley to
come home"
Bette, instead of going to Mr. RS went to Mr.
Smiths where Charley had previously promised to
meet her. On their return home the old gentleman
received them with fraternal affection, stating to
Charley that the 'money replaced, and half
the store is thine"
The firm is known to this day as "Guile & Son."
d. NJ. PAYNE.
CHRISTMAS, 1859.