Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-01-30
A STAB IN THE DARK.

GastOnHolt,a money broker of reputed wealth,
sat in his private office. 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 20 remark
ed Charles-a manly and handsome youth of
twenty y-three-and speaking with a GOODNESS
that would have startled the proud broker at
any other time.
s:Take seat sir" said CASTOR Holt; "I
have something OF great importance to say to
you.''
ssIt cannot be of more importance than
what have to say to him." thought Charles,
as he sat down facing his employer, who was a
tall, hard-featured man of over fifty years of
age.
CASTOR Holt gazed at the young man for
some time in stern silence, and was evidently
puzzled how to begin his conversation. At
length he said:
"Mr. Lewis, you have been in my employ
nearly three months, 1 think rs
"You are right SIR replied Charles.
ssIf 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-
poyment."
'You are also largely indebted to me, Mr..
Lewis, for money advanced"
81 am indebted to you, Mr.. Holt. was
much indebted to others when entered your
office; but at your earnest solicitation allow
ed you to assume those debts-debts incur
red by becoming security for those whom l
thought, not only honest, but personal friends
am very grateful to you for your Kindness"
s'You admit that you are very grateful ?''
said CASTOR Holt, quickly.
"Certainly.''
"Prove that gratitude, Mr.. Lewis. To give
you chance to prove il, l have desired this
interview" continued Holt.
al trust my industry and ability,'' began
Charles, much astonished at the sudden pale
ness that swept over Mr.. Holt's dark counte-
nance.
81 know-I know, of COURSE" cried Mr..
Holt, springing up, and pacing the floor. But
demand stronger proof; demand sacrifice.
Young man am informed that you about
to marry"
Charles flushed crimson, but remained ST.
lent; while Mr.. Holt, having worked himself
into passion, resumed:
ssAt least know that You and Olivia San
cin 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.
81 see no reason for its introduction here, ,sir''
"I will give you a reason, Charles Lewis,'
said Mr.. Holt, in slow, deep tone. 81 love
Olivia Sancini."
"You! What!" cried Charles, starting back
al was not aware that you had ever seen her,"
"You know it now, Charles Lewisl And
now demand that you shall Immediately re-
linquish, and forever, all pursuit of her hand. |
Come, she is only fruitman's daughter and
ayoung man of appearance and fine prospects |
can surely make higher match, than to wed |
the daughter of Jerome Sancini.'
vi might make the same remark to Mr.. |
Gaston Holt" retorted Charles, with singing |
contempt, and speaking falsely; s:for Olivia |
Sancini is worthy of the noblest. You de- |
mand too much, Mr.. Holt. You insult me by |
making such proposal 20
81 tell you, young man, my heart is set up |
on making her my wife, exclaimed Mr.. Holt. |
beware how you stand in my way l am |
bitter enemy, Mr.. Lewis. saved your repu-
that %,
81 have not forgotten it, Mr.. Holt-my rep |
u'aIlon as a business man, but not as an honest |
taah. Were / to live thousand years, |
snould never place my honesty in jeopardy ;"
"fou refuse You assume high crest to
me, Mr.. Lewis 70 cried CASTOR Holt, bitterly,
aua clenching his hand. 81 will discharge
svu; will strip you and your mother of ev-
y! uolar You have. will crush you to the
Sus. Sus. with load of debt. Young man, the
ueotor is a slave-a soul-slave to his creditor"
Cb.-, you, MI. hoie, thiS aHouut, Sdiu
S0narles, drawing forth pocket-book, and
bbiHuuntng out upon the table a roll of bank
ms ''There is what owe you! Give me
'ieGeipt in full and take it.''
c,.;oW nov came You with this money ?'' ex-
,nd a,ned Mr.. Holt, as he summed up the a.
uh'' o. and gave the desired receipt.
l,ota small legacy left to me by my mothers
Saer." ea;"ner. he remarked, as he secured the re-
no.' pt. Sand now, Mr.. Holt, am ont of your
C,a,:I' and Voluntarily, out of your service.
slude saasde is not due to a man who pretends
eI.u'esfoslty to gain selfish ends.''
erios VIII bias: your name, Charles LewisI''
and mi, af. Holt. 81 am dangerous enemy
Yours! ., SS """ ~
butoana na warned in time," replied Charles
von uhg his coat over his broad breast. aHad
Ho' desired an interview with me this