The Shasta courier., 1864-02-06

give up the point, and the marriage was at
length fixed to take place the following
week
Next day, when Wilhelm and his father
returned home, the former could not refrain
from expressing some curiosity concerning
the cause of this change in his prospects.
"What do you mean ?'' asked the father
Have you not given up the point about
his daughters fortune p
:. should have thought you knew me bet
ter" replied Worden, looking slyly at his
son. - But no matter-it is sufficient that
you marry the girl you like"
Once more at home. the merchant shut
himself in his office until evening, when he
re appeared with packet of letters, which
were Immediately sent by post
On the day appointed for the marriage.
! Wilhelm and his father arrived at Brock
where they found large party of friends and
relations assembled to meet them Van Ell
| berg welcomed them with cGrdialitv, but
there was an expression of care and embar
rassment on his face that made the bride
groom fear fresh obstacles to his happiness
The elder Worden, however. in no may shar-
ed In his sons anxiety, for he could give a
tolerably good guess at the cause of his hosts
uneasinesS.
Mynheer Van Eiberg," he exclaimed,
''what can be the matter? Are you un-
well?"
No, my dear friend,' replied the other,
. not ill. but in the most unpleasant dilem
ma possible. I wish to speak to you imme-
diately in private"
is it anything respecting the marriage?"
asked Worden. . If you wish to be off your
word there is still time
Not for the world"
g In that case we will proceed to the
church at once. You know that like to do
things regularly, and as | came here to see
my son married, we will finish that business
first, and then will be happy to hear what
you Eaye to say"
There was no remedy; and it was not
until the happy couple had been made man
and wife that Van Elberg could succeed in
catching his friend alone.
:. | am. bound to deliver YOU 400 900 her
ring in fourteen days, y said he, land not Il
single fish can | get at any price"
Worden could not restrain his laughter II
dare say not" he replied, 81 bought them
up long ago"
. In that case, of course, the contract is at
an end, " said Van Elberg, looking doubtfullv
at his friend.
= BY no means or at least on certain con-
ditions. We have this day united our chill
dren, Van Elberg, and shall leave them a
fortune when we die. But as regards the
present, matters ata less fairly arranged -
MyasOn received capital business. while YOU
only gave your daughter four thousand du-
cats. Now, as l did not like to make the n
unhappy by refusing my consent to their
marriage, ! thought you and would settle
the natter another way. You are to deliver
4OO, 900 herring at ten gulders per thousand;
you can get them from one but me. and |
must have fifty guilders per thousand or |
do not part with single tail. The differ
enee is sixteen thousand guilders, which
intend to pay my son as his wife's Just dow
rv"
Van Eberg looked rather foolish during
this explanation, but at the end reganed his
elf,possession, and even smiled, as he said,
elapplng him on the shoulder, - You've out
witted me, Mynheer Worden, and / must
pay the penalty so no more about it. And
now let us join our friends
Eight days afterward Van Eberg went to
visit his daughter at Amsterdam, and in his
turn found Worden in the greatest perplex-
ity.
" You are the very person / wanted" said
he, seizing his hand unless you assist me
am a ruined man. The herrngs are all
ready, but high or 10y not barrel is to be
found''
Van Elberg's little gray eyes twinkled Gun
ningiy. Every man for himself. Worden
you bought the fish and bought the barrels
But as old friends | will not take the advan-
tage of you, and you sha have as many as |
you want for exactly sixteen thousand gull |
ders above the COST
Worden looked rather blank, but did his |
best to conceal his vexati0n g The trick is |
not a bad one" said he. with forced smile. |
but you must confess | taught it YOU
'Ay, av, returned the other. you are !
clever fellows at Amsterdam, but we are not
fools and Brock"