The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1861-07-24

1
I We have Hoar to sell, he said.
1--WE - said Hiram, intefrogatiyely.
" and my partner, or more politely
speaking, my partner and !, . responded the
little man.
"Oh." said Hiram, "may ask the name
of the firm p
I'd rather not mention names until Pm
sure that we shall come to terms replied
The litlle man. :. But let me tell YOU, Mr..
Gormlcy, that such chance has never been
offered 10 one man before. Ii you accept il,
bread will run up this year to such a price,
that loaf OF the better sort will be worth
its weight in gold. and rich men will give
great sums for what they esteem as nothing.
How many barrels do YOU think we have on
hand, my partner and Il"
How many p asked old Hiram, trem-
bling with eagerness.
The little man bent forward and whisper
ed something in his ear which made him
star, TO his feet once more.
$50 many - he cried. "Why, the very
spectators themselves will be at my feet.
| shall be the richest man in the whole world.
I'll buy ii all in-all, all. When can see
its-when can sign the contract Be
quick-tell me where all the store is hid
den n
In our Office" said the little man.
"Where 20 .
Hush" whispered the little man !" there
is an underground passage, and cellar or
vault, capable of containing ten times what
it holds. As for the time, you may come
tonight, if you like--all hours are the same
to my partner and me-"
The words were scarcely out of his mouth
ere Hiram Gormley had hurried on his over
coat, dashed his broad brimmed hat over his
eyes, and seized his gold headed cane with
nervous grasp of his right hand. Lead
the way" he said lead the way-Fd fol-
low you If we were going to the moon.'
The stranger only grinned and passed out
of the door before him.
4 At the gate stood small vehicle, black as
ink, and capable Of containing only two
persons. 4 small elf-like pony was fasten-
ed to its shafts, and a little black boy held
the reins. Hiram glanced doubtfully at the
shabby turn out, but in compliance to nod
from his fellow traveller, stepped in and
took his seat beside him. Ii the shaggy DO
ny was small and unpromising 10 look at, he
was nevertheless as fleet of foot as any race
horse, and the dingy vehicle spun along at
rate which made old Hiram cling TO the
sides with both hands and shut his eyes that
he might not grow giddy. Upon passing
from the village, il turned down the broad
country road, and paused at the margin Of
little piece of woodland.
| Your Office seems to be IN very strange
locality" muttered old Hiram, suspicious
lily.
Not at ALL" replied the little man in
green !" only We are going by the under
/ ground way, 50 as not 10 attract attention"
"Ah J" said old Hiram: " Well, this does
seem to be an underground passage, sure
enough;" for they were turning now into a
sort Of cave, only one faint raw Of light in
the Tar distance saved them from being
wrapped IN utter darkness. j" | shall be glad
when ! am safe home again." he added 10
himself. How do | know where the fell
low is taking mei"
But even as he spoke the distant light
grew larger, and the carriage paused at an
iron bound door with a grating in the top.
through which fell red glare, like that OF
flame from the chimney Of pottery on a
dark night.
"This is our Office" said the little man
10 green; and old Hiram followed him as he
leaped from the crazy vehicle, which sud.
denly vanished in a most mysterious man
ner. A rap at the door Summoned dark
yisaged man, who admitted them without
parley, and old Hiram G0rmIey stood in
Neritable counting house, the most spacious
which bad ever met his eyes. lie glanced
down the rows Of dilligent clerks, all dress
ed in black, and all engaged IN making en-
tries IN emmense irOn-bound volumes; al the I
huge fire, which he could see reflected on
the root through a wide grating in the dis. |
lance, and which rendered anything III The |
way Of lamps and candles unnecessary /
and then turned towards tall, dark man, /
who strobe towards him from the very cen
ire Of the glowing light. lie was clad in
black, and his hair bound together in an old. /
fashioned cue. There was sort Of supple, /
snake-like ease IN his movements, and bis |
his feet were singularly shaped, and cover |
ed with shoes that suggested either the govt
Or bunions.
Mr.. GornIey," said the little man III
green, Mr. Gormley, partner. lie has
come 70 inspect our stock Of flour; he'd like /
70 buy it,
IIe would like to buy ii in, would he 2.
said the new conner. :" You are very wei. /
come, VIZ. Gormley; have no doubt we
SHALL come 70 terms. Gentlemen, this Il Mr.. |
Hiram Gormley, with whose pane you are
80 well acquainted, and whom you have ex.
pected - long"
A. he spoke, The long rows of black clad
clerks arose with one accord, and bowling. |
turned upon him their hollow, blood. shot |
EYES, illeI with the light which must have /
bten reflected from the fire beyond, il was
30 red and horrible.
Old Hiram tiofmley shuddered inyolun.
tarily, a. addressing himself to Bis two com.
psnions. be said, Can see this Hour Of
which yeu have been speaking;"
Certainly, sir replied tie taller Of the |
tvO - he flung open narrow duor Ii M. |