Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-07-07
Vol. 64.-3273. No. 3t7.

going to have even trifling risk in 70 leaky
as hip.
One day, it was over year from the time,
Mr.. Oglethorpe began his uphill work, tho
embarrassed man found himself in more than
usual trouble. There were notes TO pay and
sums Of borrowed money to return making
an aggregate that exceeded two thousand
dollars. With feeling scarcely more pleasant
than that Of q criminals on his way to trial,
Mr.. Oglethorpe entered bis place Of business,
and without even glancing over the morning
paper, sat down at his desk and began TO
figure up the days payment. A sigh that
almost betrayed itself in groan gave painful
evidence that tho result had been reached.
Twenty three hundred r. he said TO him.
self, and his heart sank within him. Where,
80 large an amount is to come from is beyond
my skill to guess. All me this matter is
growing worse and worse. The night gets
darker and darker. My feet arc more entan-
gled to-day than they were six months ago.
Instead ofindng ny way out Of this labyrinth
of embarrassment, am getting more involved,
and ] fear even lhc clew is lost All my
time Is spent in money-raising, to the neglect
of business and its consequent decline. Heaven
help me | fear the case is hopeless"
The unhappy man sat in this gloomy state
for some time, then aroused himself and start
cd forth on his daily round Of solicitation.
He had twenty -threc hundred dollars to raise,
and must be active if he expected to get
through IL is not our purpose to follow him
step by step. Almost any reader can imag-
Inc the trials disappointment and humilia-
ton attendant ON the work he had taken in
hand. At two o'clock Mr.. Oglethorpe found
himself still short about five hundred dollars.
Where was the amount to come from? lie
had exhausted every resource within reach,
and in order to collect his thoughts had re-
turned TO his place of business Weary
wretchcd, and sick in body and mind, was the
poor. hlrrasscd, almost brokcn-down borrow
er Thought turned everywhere, but could
discover no new resource.
" Perhaps something might be obtained
from Spicor, was at last suggested. But the
suggestion was thrown aside as soon as offered.
1t came up again, was revolved for a moment
or two and again dismissed.
4" 1t will never do TO give upp' A feeling
Of desperation caused Mr.. 0glethorpe to start
to his feet as he said this. Something must
be done. will see Spicer He can help me,
and he must"
Without waiting for consideration he start
ed forth again, A rapid walk brought him
in few minutes to the store of Mr.. Spicer
"Went home an hour ago. was the answer
which met his inquiry.
DO you expect him to return before three
o'clock ~
No, he is unwel, and said on leaving
that he would not be at the store again to-
day.
Miserable Mr.. Oglethorpe turned slowly
away.
4" 1t is my last chance" said he to himself
as he gained the street. This man must be
seen or all is lost"
And so he went to the home of Mr.. Spicer
Who wants to gee met" He heard this
made in no amiable tone as the
servant who answered the bell went back to
announce the visitor. To the servants re-
ply came this further questions
Did you say | was in?'
Yes, sir."
Confound himl What does he como
me here for? Show him in
1t was too late for retreat. Feeling like
culprit, poor Oglethorpe, with forlorn as
pect, entered the room where Spicer awaited
him.
well sir what's wanted y roughly in-
terrogated the bear in his den.
I-l--l-am short to d-d day few
hundred dollars stammered out Oglethorpe.
Well, what's that to me ?" returned Spi.
Ger, with roughness akin to his nature.
Nothing-only-but, you see, its hard
on to three o'cloek--and--and-"
Oglethorpe choked and could say no
more.
Well" growled Spieer, "let three o'clock
come, aud the quicker 1t comes the better for
you and all miserable fools like you"
Sir" This outrage penetrated beyond
the borrower and reached the man. Ogle-
thorpes eringing manner gave way to an
arecter attitude, and his face Of depressed
solicitation changed its look to one of indig-
nant feeling. Sir this is mean as well as
iruel, he said with a sternnnes Of tone that
added anger to the others ill-nature and
made him still more reckless of speech.
" The truth may always be spoken, and if
i hurts, 1t Is because 1t tells home" retorted
Splcer with increasing asperity Of manner.
" You are miserable fool, and have been
playing the fool for over year. as all other
men do who start upon the worst of all FOOLS
man may work himself out OF debt, hut he
might rs wei TRY 10 empty the ocean with an