Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1868-12-18
the usually cheerful Ferguson. mood
lily.
A knock at the door interrupted the
onnforanoa

The door opened, and the cashier pre-
sented himself, with a profound bow, to
the three priests of Mammon.
swell. Markham, what is it ?" inquir-
ell Harley, brusquely.
/" Five hundred thousand pounds paid
in by Sir Anthony GriphalI," returned
the cashier, simply.
The heads of the firm regarded each
other in silent establishment. This large
sum of money placed at their disposal
at the very nick of time, when, by its
judicous use. ruin might be averted, the
crusis bridged over, the credit of the
house saved9 The impetuous Harley
first broke the silence.
"A godsend, by Jove. A miracle p
"Queer, certainly" remarked Ferguson.
"What some people would call inter
position of Providence. The fact is, |
suppose, that old Griphall stands to lose
the half million or over by the crash of
the Lombard firm"
The sen or partner looked grave; the
boon conferred by the celebrated million
aire might relieve his mind, but the clr-
cumstahce was not altogether soothing to
bis pride On the other hand, the bar
onet might not be acquainted with the
peculiarly unsatisfactory condition of the
firm, consequently could not dream of
the benefit il would derive from this de.
post of half million of cash.
Whatever may be Sir Anthony's
reasons, gentlemen, nothing can be more
opportune than the placing Of this amount
of cash at our disposal. A few hours
more will decide, not perhaps our fate
trust that there is no real danger Of
that--hut whether we are TO be subject to
the inflicton of run which we are I'll
prepared at present to meet" remarked
the venerable head of the firm with an
air of self graduation.
AT that moment, another knock at the
door announced visitor, the command
to enter being followed by the immedi-
ate appearance of lank, raw-boned,
large featured Scotch clerk, the butt of
the employees, the standing joke of the
younger branches of the establishment,
and youth looked upon with no very
favorable eyes by the superior officers of
the bank.
"Well, what do you want 2" inquired
Harley, with slight sheer on his hand
some lips.
The Scotchman, whose awe in the pres
ence of the magnates somew hat disturbed
his equanimity, stood twisting his thumbs
and shutting his feet in "a highly ner
vous state; but bis clear gray eyes main
tanned, nevertheless, that sort of indie
pendence and mastery of his thoughts
indicative of shrewd, able, determined
mind.
Il have communication to make,
gentlemen"
Then make it at oncew exclaimed
Harley, angrily.
Let the poor lad alone, Harley"
muttered the good-natured Ferguson to
his irascible partner.
The Scotchman, however, fixed bis
keen eyes on the head of the firm, and
continued "This half million just paid
in by gentleman representing Sir An
thony GrIphali Is plot"
A wbat!" cried Harley.
"A plot, dodge, designed to bring
ruin upon the firm. gentlemen!' replied
the Scotchman, empbatically.
The effect Of this statement upon the
three partners was electrical the two
younger men. with incredullty and wrath
stamped on their features, seemed about
TO immediate the venturous youngster to
the names of libel; but the senior turned
deadly pale.
This is a very serious statement,
young man." said the latter, solemnly-
How are you prepared to substantiate
it?"
The countenance of the clerk clouded
look of doubt, fear, and perpIexity au-
CURED i'll for that candor naturally to be
expected on such a momen,ous COCA
sion.
Gentlemen" he said after a short
pause, during which his emotion
was painfully visible to the experienced
chances of his superiors, Il must throw
myself upon your generosity. How l
became possessed of this secret, cannot
reveal. | have felt it my duty to warn
you of the true nature of this transac-
ton. l can vouch for the accuracy of
my statement; hut time can alone prove
Its truth. Within one fortnight from
this date, every penny of that half mil
lion will be Withdrawn at one draft
Gentlemen, l implore you to be care
full"
The earnestness with which this adj
dress was delivered; the entire conviction
clearly manifested in his manner that
what he stated was the simple fact; and,
above all, the absence Of any conceivable
motive on his part for connecting such an
extraordinary falsehood,-- produced a
singular effect upon his hearers.
"Wbat the devil do you meant
Where did you learn this rigmarole of
ense?" asked the coutemptuous Har-
ley.
81 am not al liberty to say, SIR" re-
turned the clerk, respectfully but firmly.
" But, man, you don't expect us to
listen to suck cock and bull story with
out a title of corroborative evidence r.
said Ferguson, suddenly facing round,
and endeavoring to stare the poor fellow
out Of countenance. IF such were the
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