Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1863-06-25
THE DUTCH MERCHANTS.
DIAMOND cur DIAxoED.


uary, I795. The city of Amsterdam
wss thrown into unusual hustle and
confusion by the entrance Of the
French army under Pichegru. while
the troops with stacked arms awaited
their billets and rations. the citizens
hastened to illuminate in honor Of their
arrival, and in spite of the piercing
cold thronged to welcome the heroes.
Among the general rejoicings. one
house alone remsined with closed doors
and darkened windows. 1t was the
dwelling Of the wealthy merchant Wor-
den. who. wholly occupied in business.
cared little for politics, still less for the
arrival Of the French, and was far too
careful OF bis money to waste it like bis
neighbors in illumination.
Wrappedia his fur dressing gown, a
seal skin cap drawn closely over the
few gray hairs time had left upon his
head, he had wheeled bis easy chair
close TO the chimney, and he rubbed
bis hands over the bright coal FIRE.
seeming lost in revery, from which
neither the beer nor the long clay pipe
on the table beside him had power to
rouse him.
All at once the silence was inter.
rupted by violent ring at the house
bell. The old man started, and turn
ing to a stout, red-cheeked servant,
who seated at q respectful distance,
was occupying herself in Knitting q
stocking:
"See who it is. Jacqueline," said he.
'that comes TO disturb us at this rea-
sonable hour"
In few minutes q tall young man
entered, and throwing of his cloak
saluted the old man as father.
"Ha! is it you, Wilhelm7 l did not
expect you back so SOON"
"I have Just returned from Brock"
replied the other. and should have ar
rived long ago, had not the road been
so encumbered with troops and idlers."
Have you seen Won Elberg?"
"Yes," answered the young man.
taking his seat by the fire, "and he
consents to my union with bis daugh-
ter, but refuses to give more than four
thousand ducats for her dowry."
"Then be may keep both ducats and
daughter" said the merchant, angrily.
"But consider father"
"Consider what?" interrupted Wor-
den. There is nothing to consider. 1
know at your age love outweigbs gold.
but time vii! teach you that when pow
erty comes IN at the door, love soon
flies through the window.
"Yet. father" argued the young
man. "Von Elberg is one Of the richest
men in the country, and sooner or later
his da1ghter must have his fortune.
"Tut, tut" said Worden, Won Elberc
knows well what be is about; but cum
hing as be is he shall no! put a bad
bargain on me. AS for you. Wilhelm.
/ have promised TO give you up my
business, and now recommend your
taking word Of advice with it, never
give more than you receive. and always
consider your transactions; rely on it.
that Il is the only way to prosper in
business as we'll as love. And how we
will drop the subject"
The young man knew bis fathet's
hufnor too well to press the matter fur
ther at that nomeht.
As he sat brooding oyef bis disap.
pointment, the bell rang. and the tread
of horses feet was heard if the court.
yard. while the watchdog commenced
furious barking.
alt is certainly a stranger this time. |"
said Mynheer Worden. "there's no
mistake in this dogs bark"
He was interrupted by the servant
bringing in package.
'Commissariat Department." said
her master, with no little surprise, as
be opened it; but an expression Of un-
easiness which had at 6rst slightly con.
Eacted bis features changed into one Of
pleasure as he read on:
"An order to deliver four hundred
thousand herring for the use Of the
French army" be continued. ga very
acceptable commission. Wilhelml you
shall marry Won Elberg's daughter.
and he shall give her handsome dow
ry in spite Of himself"
SLOW say you, my dear fatber?" re-
piled the son. unable to believe bis
senses at this unexpected transition.
"Leave all 10 me, Wilhelm" said
Wordeu. s'0rder our horses to be sad
died at dsybresk, and mind that am
called 10 time. for we must be at Brock
before 12 O'Clock, and now good
night" ial II.
The rising suu saw our travellers or
The road to that celebrated village
where cleanliness is carried TO such an
extent, thst before entering the streets
both father and son. In compliance will
an invariable custom, were obliged tt
dismount and leave their horses to tn,
care of q servant. At the door Of Vor
Elberg's house they were required t.
do what q few years later neither Ma
poleon nor the Emperor Alexander
were exempted from, and taking Of
their boots replaced them with slipper
before they were siiowed to enter th,
room where he sat with his daughter
CIothilde. 6eai r@ee sef q
sGood morning. Mynbeer Worden. .
said be, shaking bis friend warmly By
the hand. "Have you been frightened
out of your good city By the Frencf
that you honor me SO early with 4