Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-03-30

bis movements, and bis feet we're singul ariy
shaped and covered with shoes that suggested
either the CONT or bunions.
Mr., Gormley," said the little man in
green. Mr.. GOrmlsy, partner. He has
come 70 inspect our stock Of -four; he'd like
to buy it In"
he would like to buy It in, would he p
said the new conner. You are very well
come Mr.. Gormley. l have no doubt we
shall come to terms Gentlemen, this is Mr..
Hiram Gormley with whose name you are so
well acquainted, and whom you have expec-
ted so long,
As he spoke the long rows Of black-clad
clerks arose with one accord, and, bowling,
turned uDon him their hollow, blood-shOt
eyes, filled with the light which must have
been reflected from the ire hey oud, It was 50
red and horrible.
Old Hiram Gormley shuddered involuntar-
lily, as addressing himself TO his two com
panions, he said, "Oan I see this -four Of
which you have been speaking ?"
Certainly, sir, replied the taller Of tho
two as be flung open a narrow door TO his
right and becknned Hiram 20 approach.
Light up, boys, light up p
And at the words a myriad Of torches
aared down seemingly interminable visa;
and Hiram looked down upon myriads and
myriads of barrels, stretching away until
they faded away in to mere speeks in the
distance.
Full Of -four, from the very FIRST brand
down to the poorest not another barrel left
in the market. You can have the upper
hand of the whole of them, Hiram Gormley,
when you can starve ten millions, if you like.
Do you close the bargain, or shall we send
for some one else7n
Hush. Iagree. Tell me your terms" !"
gTasped Hiram nervously.
They are very easy said the tall man in
black. "Sit down, if you please. Here is
pen, ink and paper, and the document
Hiram seized the pen, and eonRed it rapidly,
growing white and cold as he read on-at
last be flung it from him, and screamed.
my soul Promise to give you my SOUL
In the name of the fend who are you ~
'Your humble servant said the black
clad creature bowing and Hiram Gormley
saw cloven foot peeping from the queer
boot, and distinguished the perfume Of brim-
stone.
Let me go, he said let me CO..
Softly why do you care so much for
what you have already mortgaged 2 You
are halt mine already, do you know that. -
Itis false, said old Hiram. cheat no man,
I belong to the church; and subscribed fifty
dollars to the missionaries year ago.
The dark being grinned contemptuously-
Bring me Mr.. GOrmley's box, be said.
And be who conveyed old Hiram to the
spot where he now Stood sat upon the table a
box like that in which the lawyers keep the
papers of clients, labeled Hiram Gormley,
Esq.'-From the depths of this box be drew a
pile Of parchment and read from thence: "a
mortage on the soul of Hiram Gormley, given
GU the day when be turned his daughter from
the door. Another when be seized old widow
POtter's furniture for rent. Another, when be
took advantage of flaw in the papers to
evade the payment of a just debt Of his own.
Ayriads when be first began business and told
| fifty lies day, and gave false weight and meas
ure; and one tremendous mortage for pass
ing through the world without one loving
tender symPathizing feeling to mankind"
"Your SOUL bahl what is it worth now2
"I'll take it all back. I'll have my daughter
and her handsome home. I'll pay"
''ToO latel" said the dark creature ''Too
laie, Hiram Gormley. too late W
Bnt the old man, stretching out his hands
screamed alOad in terror, and fell backward,
in Inconsistencies.
When Mrs. Gormley returned from the din
ner-party, she found her husband stretched
upon the hearth-rug, with blue lump upoI
his forehead as large as hens egg.
When he related his adventure, she consid.
cred it a dream, and laid the blame upon tn,
old port in the decanter on the sideboard bu
dream or reality, it had a strange effect upor
old Hiram, for in week be was reconcileC
to his daughter; performed various unwonteC
acts OF charity, and was, in fact an utterly
changed and altered man while, singular tC
say, no earthly power has ever since been abl,
to induce Hiram Gormley to speculate il