The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1866-11-28
THE INVESTMENTS;
Or, The Two Merchants.


"Can you loan me two thousand dollars
to establish myself in small retail bust.
ness?" inquired young man not yet ou
of his teens, Of middle aged gentleman
who was pouring over pile Of ledger'
in the counling-room of one Of the larg
ts' establishments in Boston. The per
son addressed turned toward the speaker
ard regarding him for amomeni with t
look Of surprise, inquired =
"What security can you give me, Mr.
Strosser?"
"NotbiDg but my note" replied the
young man promptly. aHF
(which | fear would be below par in
Market replied the merchant, smiling
"Pcrbaps So" said the young man,
I"but Mr., Barton, remember that the boy
is not tue man; the time may come when
Hiram S,rosser's note will be as readily
accepted as that of any ether man."
"True, very true" replied Mr.. Barton
mildly, "but you know business men sell
dom loan money without adequate securi
otherwise they might soon be reduced
to penury"
At this remark the young mans coun
tcnance became dcathly pale, and, having
observed silence Of several moments, be
inquired in voice whose tones indicated
his deep disappointment
"Then you cannot accommodate me
can your"
"Cal! upon me 10 morrow, and I will
give ycu reply said Mr.. Barton; and
the young man retired
Mr.. Barton resumed his labors at the
desk, but his mind was SO much upon the
boy. and his singular errand, that he coul1
not pursue his task with my correctness
and, after having made severa! sad bluu,
lders, ho closed the ledger, and took hi.
hat, and went out upon the street. Ar
irving opposite the store Of wealthy
merchant upon Mix street, he entered
the door
"Good morning, Mr.. Hawley," said he,
approaching the proprietor Of the estab.
ment, who was seated at his desk, count
ing over thu profits Of the week.
"GoOd morning" replied the merchant,
blardly; "happy to see you have a seat?
Any news how's trade 7"
Without noticing these intcrrogatio us,
Mr.. Barton said:
"Young Strosscr is desirous Of estab
fishing himself in small retail business
in Washington street, aud called this
morning 10 secure Of me o loan cf two
thousand dollars for that purpose
Indeed r. exclaimed Mr.. Hawley, evil
Edontly surprised at this announcement; /;
"but you did not think Of loaning that
sum, didlyou " y .tlqe tsl =
Il do notikpow,", replied Mr.. Barton.
"Mr. Stresses is ia young man of business
talent and strict integrity, and be likely
TO succeed in whatever he undertakes"
.i"Perhaps So" replied Mr., Hawley,
doubtfully; "but | am heartily tired Of
helping to re,e'tablish these young aspir.
ants for commercial donors" VA
"Hayo you ever suffered any from such
. course T" inquired Mr.. Barton, at the
same time casting roguish glance at Mr..
Hawley s9
sNo,' replied the latter, "for I never
felt inclined TO mako an investment of
that kind" 3l9 .st ef
"Then here is fine opportunity to do
so, 1t may prove better than the stock
in the bank. As for myself, / have con.
plnded that, if you will advance him one
thousand dollars, Il will contribute an
equal sum +"
'aNot 4 single fartbing would I advance
fofsuch a purpose and if you can make
an Investment oI that kind, shall con-
sider you very foolish h,lg..si, 'r VA /,
e Mr.. Barton observed a silence ofseYer1
al minutes, and then arose TO depart Y
'isFs-- ,vor