The weekly mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado County, Calif.) 1861-1862, 1862-11-15

was careful TO give me nothing to do that
was not simplicity itself, and | was Dor.
ed for want of something that might oc
cupy my mind as well as my fingers. In
the evening | seldom went out, and was
very content to spend my time with Vic.
torine, who, on her part, seemed to think
the evenings were pleasant enough to
seem short; so while papa dozed in his
chair, Nictorine and | talked and sang to
our hearts content.
M. Nernay, came about once week 10
dinner, and contrived then, and indeed nt
all times, to give Ny uRCIe Abe idea that
was in need OF much teaching as re-
ga1tt,. .te'siseGb8&t.-.
How many years do you think,
Charles, 1--WE were cousins, reader,) il
will take you to learn 10 conduct papa S
business
How many months you mean, Victor
inc. These practical men, your father
and NJ. Fermay, are greatly mistaken in
their estimate Of me; they fancy that
because l never looked into day. book,
or journal, or ledger before came here,
| shall be years learning their use; it's q
mistake Of theirs. have, ever Since |
was old enough to think, done little else
but think, and discipline of this kind
enables lie TO learn in u month what
their undisciplined minds would require
twelve for. As for N. Vernay, and his
system, as he calls it, it is good one,
and workable one; but there are fifty
methods of applying the same principles.
lie boasts that by his system fraud is
rendered impossible, because discovery
is certain; he's wrong. and greatly wrong,
and if had access To his books | believe
| could prove to demonstration that it
is So
Victorinc somewhat incautiouoly de.
Tended me the next time | was attacked,
and repeated my remark that il had ac-
cess to his books could prove fraud to
be possible.
NJ. Nelnay started, turned pale, and
turned on ME glance that made me sure
Of two things; first, that this chance bolt
had hit the mat e. that there was fraud /;
and next, that if NJ. Vernay could put Inc
out Of his way lie would not be very par
ticuIar AS to meauS Of doing it.
This one idea of fraud kept forcing it.
self before me constantly; NJ. Vernay' S
jealous care OF particular books and keys,
his constant endclv0rs to make my uncle
take 'one glass more than was good for
him, and the strang", suspicious looking
people who came 10 him first, and then
drew money from the bank all compelled
me To think Of It, was more than con-
lirmrd in my suspicious by an incident
winch occurred some few months after
thi~ first entered nay mind.
| had lost my>,lf in one Of the Fau-
houig> rather late one evening, and enter
c.l Il >maIl, mcan-looking restaurant to ask
my way. There were a number Of men
" the room, and as glanced in Il look
inL glass saw face there was no miSta,
Mag that Of NJ. Neinay. lie was sitting
at one of the little round marble e.topped
tables, with two companions, with his
face to tn. wall and his side face reflected
in the glass saw him clearly, but from
his position lac could not See me. Instead
# asking my way, | took a seat near the
patty and took up the paper. They spoke
IN French aud rapidly, in an under tone
tell you,' said Vernay, 1T will not
do; YOU always have to ask me before
You can draw, aud uhle>S you do it in my
way it cannot he done.
Repeat, said one, repeat what is
your way:
'rhi>,' said Vernav. 4 will give you a
e. cluc now for 50,Ul0 francs, with the
Marlui, dc -'s signature. Lizette
wiii bring il; She must come in her car
rage aud cash it Tomorrow and
That's it, exactly and-what are we
to dor'
Give me notes for $4,000 francs to-
night
45,O00--that is only 5000 francs, and
IL carriage and horses and Lizctte's dress
it is too little; besides we have not got
the money; like the old way best; |
will come aS usual.
You cannot do that without risk Of
discovery. That prling English nephew
is suSpici"u>- he has the eyes OF an eagle
an owl, ought to say, for he sees III
the dark
Can't YOU quiet him? There is water
under all the bridges of the Seine, stiIl.'
He's too happy for that; happy men
don't drown themselves
Does he go out at night? appoint
ment with pretty girl might tempt him.
Not at ail-he's in love with Victor
inc
That is serious, Vernay-shc was to
be yours
THAT may bcyet. Now, will you have
it, or shall ! go to Hamburger, ami make
him the Offer
The two consulted for a moment, and
one Of them left the room. In few min
utes he returned O was deeply absorb
ed in the paper, which completely hid
NV face y lac said to his companion:
.gls> v t,',. - ii u.,al .',.
You ATE agreed. them
'Y,s. Where is the cheque?'
Vcrnay drew from his pocket book a
blank cheque, filled it for 10000 francs,
anL dated it.
Now the notes. All good:'
An good! to be sure.
Vrrnay looked carefully at the notes,
and then, signing the cheque, handed it
To his companion.
'What time?'
20, at two; and tell her not to talk too
much.
He rose and left the room with his
hardly knew when | saw
the table vacant whether | had dreamt it
or not.
looked at th> table, and saw nothing
to help me to realize the truth but I'M
derneath lay piece. Of paper. pounced
upon it, and found it to b; piece Of blot
ting paper similar to that | had used in
the office, and on it was the thickened
of the signature of the cheque.
reached home in a state Of anxiety that
may be easily imagined, and found my
uncle rather worse than usual. He was
always little comfortable, as kind wives
say, toward evening; tonight he was
asleep in his arm chair, and snoring vlo.
lently. Victorine came down, hearing !
mad come in.
Charles, what is the matter with you
...., lool, s,, I'll and polo What has