Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1867-05-02
THE JNVEsTMENT;
OR, THE TWO MERCHANTS.

"Can you loan two thousand dol
lars to establish myself in a small
retail business?" inquired young
man not yet out of his teens, Of a
middle aged gentleman, who was
pouring over a pile of ledgers in
the counting room of one of the
largest establishments in Boston.
The person addressed turned to-
wards the speaker and regarding
him for a moment with a look of
surprise inquired = &
"What security will you give
me, Mr.. Strosser?" H..
Nothing but my note" replied
the young man promptly.
(which I fear would be below
par in Market" replied the mer-
chant smiling.
"Perhaps So" said the young
man, "but, Mr.. Barton, remember
that the boy is not the man; the
time mag come when Hiram
Strosser's note will be as readily
accepted as that of any other man"
"True, very true," replied Mr..
Barton, mildly, 'but you know
business men seldom loan money
without adequate security-other-
wise they might soon be reduced
to penury."
At this remark the young mans
countenance became deathly pale,
and, having observed a silence of
several moments, he inquired in
a voice whose tones indicated his
deep disappointment
"Then you cannot accommodate
me, can your
"Call upon me tomorrow, and
l will give you a reply" said Mr..
Barton; and the young man re-
tired. t eg
Mr.. Barton resumed his labors
at the desk, but his mind was SO
much on the boy and his singu-
lar errand, that he could not pur-
sue his task with any correctness;
and, after having made several
sad blunders, he closed the ledger,
and took his hat, and went out
upon the street. Arriving oppo-
site the store of a wealthy mer-
chant upon Milk street, heentered
the door. ,.~.I
"Good morning, Mr.. Hawley,"
said he, approaching the proprie-
tor of the establishment, who was
seated at his desk, counting over
the profits of the week. ~
"Good morning" replied the
merchant, blandly; ''happy to see
you; have seat? Any news !?
IIOW . tIduG! & f-F
Without noticing these iinterro-
cations, Mr.. Barton said: 5e
"Young Strosser is desirous of
establishing himself in a small re-
tail business in Washington street,
and called this morning to secure
of me the loan of two thousand
dollars for that purpose.
"Indeed !" exclaimed Mr.. Haw-
ley, evidently surprised at this an
nouncement, ''but you did not
think of loaning him that sum, did
you?" NO
81 do not know" replied MIR.
Barton. "Mr. Strosser is young
man of business talent and strict
integrity, and will be likely to sue.
ceed in whatever ne undertakes"
"Perhaps So" replied Mr.. Haw-
ley, doubtfully; "but | am heartily
tired of helping to re-establlsh
these young aspirants for COM
mercial honors."" ~ f,,vsa
"Have you ever suffered any
from such course q inquired Mr..
Barton, at the same time casting
a roguish glance at Mr.! Hawley.
@No.'" replied the latter, s'for |
never felt inclined to make an IN
vestment of that kind" n q
"Then here is fine cpportunl-
ty to do SO. 2 1t may prove better
thanthe stock in the bank. As
for myself, ! have concluded that,
if you will advance him one thou-
sand dollars, / will contribute an
equal sum-" 8i..1sp 1, /,
eNot a single farthing would |
advance for such a purpose, and
if you can make an investment OF
that kind, l shall consider you
very foolish"
Mr. Rarton observed q silence