Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-01-02
MISCELLANEOUS.
A Stab i'm the Dark,

Some years ago, in the city of New Or
leans, CASTOR Holt. money broker of repu-
ted wealth, sat in his private Office, awaiting
the presence of the young cashier, Charles
Lewis.
Mr. Holt had told Charles that he wished
to see him at 8 o'clock in the evening. and
the clock was striking that hour when Charles
entered the Office
''You wished to see me, Mr. Holt = re-
marked Charles manly and handsome
youth of twenty -three-and speaking with
coldness that would have startled the proud
broker at any other time
Take a seat, sir. said CASTOR Holt. II
have something of Importance to say to you"
1T cannot be of more importance than
what have to say to him." thought Charles,
as he sat down facing his employer. who was
evidently puzzled how to begin his conversa-
ton. At length be said:
''Mr. Lewis, you have been in my employ
nearly three months [ think?"
You are sight sir" replied Charles.
IF you were discharged. Mr.. Lewis, you
would find it very difficult to be engaged else
where"
very true, Mr. Holt; New Orleans is
crowded with applicants for all kinds of en-
ployments."
.'You are also largely indebted to me, Mr..
Lewis, for money advanced"
Il am indebted TO you, Mr.. Holt. L was
much indebted to others when l entered your
office but at your earnest solicitation, al
lowed you to assume those debts-debts l in
Cured by becoming security for those whom
L thought. not only honest, but personal
friends. 1 am 7ery grateful?'' said Charles
Lewis. quickly.
Certainly"
"Prove that gratitude. Mr.. Lewis. To
give you a chance to prove II, have desired
this interview" continued Holt.
L trust my industry and ability began
Charles, much astouished at the sudden pale
ness that swept over Mr.. Hollis dark counte-
nance.
Il know-I know, of course" cried Mr..
Holt, springing up. and pacing the floor
But demand a stronger proof; [ demand a
sacrifice. Young man, l am informed that
you are about to marry
Charles flushed crimson. but remained ST.
lent while Mr. Holt, having worked HIM
self into passion, resumed:
AT least | know that you aud Olivia San
cini, the Italians daughter, have plightsd
your vows /" p -.------------.
That is true, Mr.. Holt. The matter is
wholly hers and mine said Charles rising
In his turn, and drawing himself very erect
Il see no reason for its introduction here sir.
Il will give you a reason, Charles Lewis,
said Mr.. Holt. in slow, deep tone. l love
Olivia Sancini.'
You What = cried Charles, starting back
Il was not aware that you had ever seen her
You know it now, Charles Lewis And now
| demand that yol shall Immediately relin
guish and forever, all pursuit of her hand
Come, she is only fruitmaus daughter, and
young man of good appearance and fine
prospects can surely make higher match.
than to wed the daughter of jerome Sancini-'
Il might make the same remark to Mr..
CASTOR Holt retorted Charles. with singing
contempt, and speaking harshly, for Olivia
Sancini is worthy of the poblest. You de-
mand too much, Mr. Holt. You insult me
by making such proposal
i tell you, young man, my heart is set
upon making her my wife, exclaimed Mr.
Holt Beware how you stand in my way
[ am bitter enemy. Mr. Lewis. L saved
your reputation in assuming your debts, re-
member that "
Il have not forgotten it. Mr.. Holt-my
reputation as a business man, but not as an
honest man. Were to live thousand years,
l should never place my honesty IN jeopardy
You refuse You assume high crest to
me, Mr.. Lewis 7 cried CASTOR Holt. bitterly,
and eIenchiug his hand. L will discharge
you: | will strip you and your mother OF ey-
cry dollar you have. L will crush you to the
dust with load of debt Young man, the
debtor is a slave-a soul-slaye to his credi-
tors
Il owe you, Mr.. Holt. this amount. said
Charles, drawing forth a pocket book, and
counting upon ;be table a roll of bank bills
There j. what | owe yCu 1--WE me = re-
ceipt In full and take a..
How came you with this money ? exeiaim-
ed MIR Holt, as he summed up the amount,
and gave the desired receipt
a small legacy left ne by my mothers
brother he remarked, as he secured the re-
ceipt. And now, Mr.. Holt, L am out of your
power, aud voluntarily out of your service :
Gratitude is not due to a man who pretends
generosity to gain selfish ends
Il will blast your name, Charles Lewis
cried Mr.. Holt an a dangerous enemy;
and for my life, heuceforth and forever l am
yours
Il am warned in time replied Charles,
burtoning bis coat over his broad breast
Had you not desired en- interview with me
this evening. | would have demanded one of
you, CASTOR Holt. meant to place certain
papers, accidentally in my possession, in your
hands; but since you are to be my enemy, L
would be sinpletOn to throw away the wea-
pons chance has given me-
What do you mean, young man
Il meau, Castor Holt replied Charles,
that have discovered that have been toi-
ling for forger- This day l discovered IT.
| Intended to give you the proofs of your
guilt, that you might destroy them; and so
have proved my gratitude for supposed kind
ness. would have ceased to be your debtor
and cashier at the same moment, l shall re-