Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-04-14

Ten years have passed away since the
occurrence of the conversation recorded
in the preceding dialogue, and Mr.. Barton
pale and agitated, Is standing at the same
desk as when first introduced to the read
ers attention. As page after page of his
ponderous ledger was examined, his des-
pair became deeper, till at last be ex-
claimed
Il am ruined-utterly ruined 2
How so 2 inquired Hiram Strosser,
who entered the counting-room Just il
time to hear Barton's remark.
The last European steamer brought
news of the failure of the house of Pericb,
Jackson s. Co, who are indebted TO me
the sum of nearly two hundred thousand
dollars. News of the failure has become
general, and my creditors, panic stricken,
are pressing in my paper TO be cashed-
The bankers refuse me credit, and have
not the means TO meet my liabilities. If
I could pass this crisis, perhaps I could
rally again, but it is impossible, my credi-
tors are importunate, and / cannot much
longer keep above the tide remarked
Barton.
What is the extent of your liabilities 2
Seventy five thousand dollars
Would that SUM be sufficient to re-
lieVe you I?
1T would
Then, sir, you shall have it, said
Strosser, as he stepped up to the desk and
drew a check for seventy-fve thousand
dollars. Here, take this, and when you
need more, do not hesitate to call upon
me. Remember that it was from you
that l received money TO establish my
self in business
But the debt has been cancelled sey
eral years ago. replied Barton, as a ray
of hope shot across his troubled mind.
True replied Strosser, but the debt
of gratitude / owe has never been can
celled, and now the scale is turned l
deem it my duty TO come up TO the res
cue.' At this singular turn in the tide
of fortune, Barton fairly wept for Joy.
His paper was taken up as fast as it was
sent in, and in less than a month he had
passed the crisis and stood perfectly safe
and secure his credit increased and his
business improved, while several other
firms sunk under the blow, and could not
rally, among whom was Hawley, alluded
to in the commencement of this article.
How do you manage to keep above the
tide " inquired Hawley of Mr.. Barton,
one morning, several months after the
event recorded, as he met the latter on
the street on the way to his place of busi-
ness.
Very easily indeed replied Barton.
We'll, do tell me how said Hawley. j
claim good degree of shrewdness, but
the strongest exercise of my wits did not
save me; and yet you, whose liabilities
were twice as heavy as my own, have
stood the shock and have come off even
better by the storm
The truth is replied Barton, i cashed
my paper as soon as it was sent in
i suppose se,' replied Hawley, regard.
ing Barton with look of surprise but
how did you obtain the funds? As for
my part, 1 could not obtain dollars
credit the banks refused to take my
paper, and my friends even deserted me
"A little investment that / made some
ten years ago. replied Barton, smiling,
has recently proved exceedingly pro6ts'
ble'
Investment echoed Hawley, what in
vestment ?
why, do you not remember how es'
tablished young Strosser in business ten
years agoP
%, yes, said Hawley. as ray of suspi.
cion Lit up his countenance, but what Of
thatP
He is one of the heaviest dry goods
dealers in the city; and when this calsm'
ity came on, he came forward and very
generously advanced me seventy-fvs
thousand dollars. You know l told you
on the morning L called to offer you an
equal share in the stock, that it might
prove better than an investment in the
bank
During this announcement Mr.. HaE'
les eyes were bent intently on the
ground, and drawing deep sigh, be
moved on, detected and sad, while MI.
Barton returned to his place of business
with his mind clear and animated y
thoughts Of his singular investment