The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-06-08
A Clear Case OfLuck.

A Clear Case OfLuck.
"a good many singular things happened dur.
ing the war;" said John, as he lighted his after
dinner cigar, "but somehow l consider my own
case about the funniest thing of ALL 4
"Ahw said l, show was that"
Ibid it never occur to you that it was little
odd that in so short time should have got to
be partner in the firm, and married man, and
all that sort of thingF" wa
''Oh you speculated.'
Not bit of it; or, rather, did, and didn't;
for you know that detest speculation. I've even
made old Matralle swear off"
$50 far it's very clear ; but if you have secured
French wife and rich one, could understand
a little plain English" "a
Before l went to the war John Develin and l
had been fellow-clerks in the banking house of
Nathalie & Co., in New York. A slight lame,
ness prevented John from going into the army
and an utter absence Of capital prevented him
from proposing for the hand of the pretty Lucille
though always believed that he had more to
fear from the gruff old papa than from the young
lady herself eat
Poor as he was, and on moderate salary, when
/ returned at the end of the war-much lamer
than John had been before it found my chum
in the enjoyment of all he had longed for, and
with brown stone front to enjoy it in. So when
he volunteered something which promised to ex-
plain the mystery, my curiosity on fire in a
moment. John was right good fellow, and did
not envy him particle; but l must say was
curious about it.
Have another cigar. You know a good deal what
was after when you wentaway and my chance
of getting it then seemed about as far off as the
Presidency 1t was q clear case of luck, tell
you, and Very little more Old Nathalie always
liked me pretty we'll, though was hardly the
man he would have chosen for son-in-law and
kept his private books, you know. You know
all about the unbounded gold speculation in 1862
and 1868; well he somehow got intoi it, old hard
headed banker as he is. Almost everybody went
in more or less. |.I
1.-THE old man had rather missed it once or
twice, and got hit pretty hard, though no one
but myself knew anything about it-so hard, in
fact, that was more than little alarmed for the
result. ~
1T got into my head about that time that
would like to run down to Washington and take
look at the forts and camps. Somehowit always
CALLED me good deal that could not take my
part with the rest, and wanted to have look
at the thing anyhow. SO called at the house to
see Lucille and get a short furlough and sue.
ceeded surprisingly well. That is didn't see as
much of Lucille as I wanted, but the old gentle.
man gave me leave of absence readily and aided,
suppose something may happen, somewhat,
while you are dare, ell You send me telegram
quickI"
"Yes," replied, '.but you know the War De-
partment don't allow fellow to send over the
wires inst what he wants to-" rg.rEr-1 &C.
"Oh never mind all dat" said Nathalie, ''just
you send something, good or bad, no matter Just
the words. / understand mighty quick, ha Ia I!
Never you mind de War Department"
Sand So Continued John, loft went without
very clear idea of what was expected, or how
was to do it. ..... ....
''And now the rest of it sounds tremendously
like page from Munchausen, but it's all clear
historical fact Matraile wrote letter which
got to Washington about as soon as did, urg-
ing me to keep my ears and eyes open and prom
Using that if sent him anything of importance
he would halve with me on the profits saw by
that how terribly nervous he was getting, and
concluded affairs must be even worse with him
than knew of. Nevertheless began to be a
trife excited myself, and though had a sort OF
horror OF speculation, especially gold gambling
commenced to look around me pretty sharply
for items. Among other adventures fell in
with old Sam GOrham, Of Cincinnati, one of oul
correspondents and nephew Of his, queer
awkward spoon OF fellow aud We went around
sight seeing in company
Nothing would DO for either uncle or neph
CIV but continued succession of csektails, and
had to leave them in their rooms soon after din
ner, somewhat the worse for wear, while CON
tinued my search for information under diff
6culties.
Il didn't find out anything in particular al
that night or the next forenoon but saw Tho
sights pretty efectuslly, and about noon wen,
into my friends room to stir them up. found
the nephew lolling discensolately on a chair, and
the uncle in bee with high fever. the natura
result Of his foolishness the day before The hope
full youth began the story of his fluctuations b,
stating that he had expected his aunt there tina
day, but had received letter from her sayin.
that she had been delayed and could not come OF
at once.
II asked him what the doctor had said abou
his uncle.
'Oh the old mans right sick, and reckon II
better telegraph 10 Aunt Sally 70 come on RICH
off,
'.On the plea Of a splitting headache, he beg
ged me 70 send his message, and thought
would -ene one a; the same time TO Matraille 4
Go. Well, his Telegram save the direction, read