Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1871-12-08


hing to say to you"
Then be picked up letter and looked
over it for few moments, when be con-
tinued:
"Ra1ph and yourself room together. I
believe"
"We do. sir," I replied.
He is out a good deal at nights p
well. yes. he is. sir; but he comes
home generally in good season." I replied.
YES" be continued. "all that may be
20, but still he is out almost if not quite
nightly?"
"Yes, sir" I replied. for I saw that
Mr.. Storer was in earnest about some-
thing.
"Do you know where he goes? 2" he ask
ed abruptly, laying down the letter which
he had been holding in his hand.
II do not. SIR" I replied.
"He never tells yon. ell p
"No. sir" I answered; I'VE rarely talk
upon such matters"
"Why not? Young men generally do.
understand (and here his face grew
stern. } that Mr.. Moulton spends great
deal of money among bis friends, too much
for a young man Of correct habits. Do
you know where be obtains it? Will you
tell me p
'Mr. Storer." I replied, "you astonish
me very much; 1 was not aware of the
fact; to tell you the truth. Ralph and my
self don't 60 out much together now. We
did so once that is when we 6rst came to
The city. I don't know why it is. but We
have different ways now. though we are
as good friends as ever"
II believe all this" he replied curtly,
''but what I wish to know is, where he
obtains the money be spends SO lavishly ?
You can't tell me?'
Upon my honor. sir" I answered, Il
have no more idea than yourself"
That will do, SIR" be replied, with a
wave Of bis hand to signify the interview
was terminated.
arose and went to my desk with many
as to the life Ralph Moulton
was leading:
Contrary to his custom, Ralph remain
ed home the evening succeeding my inter-
view with Mr.. Storer. I. therefore. en-
braced the occasion to relate to him the
Of our employer. He became
quite angry at hearing it.
"What business has he to meddle him
self iu my affairs" he exclaimed. $50 long
as I don't steal from hin7 Let bim ask
me for an explanation I'll have reply
ready for him that will more than satisfy
his penurious disposition. Money!" he
laughed, .precious little We would have
if we lived on the beggarly amount he al
lows us. I'll tell you what it is. don't
intend remaining with the magnanimous
house OF Storer very much longer. l
hate meanness, and old Storer is as mean
as they Usually make Down Casters"
BE careful. Ralph" 1 interposed.
don't speak in that style. IT'S true. we
get but small salary. but then remember
we are acquiring knowledge that will
benefit US hereafter. aud you know that
Mr.. Storer stands high in the community
as a merchant" y
'.Oh. I know all that" be replied; ''it's
mere clap-trap Of course. be stands high
bpt fancy there are others equally repu-
table as himself. and I dare say more
generous to those who do their heavy
work."
'.You must act as you deem best" l
rejoined; Il can only advise you. though
| fear my admonitions will 60 for little
with you"
Don't preach" be sneered, Il hate
it; it's too much like your patron saint
Storer Stick to him and much thanks
you will get"
I'm not working for thanks. Ralph, T"
I replied. ''and don't expect Mr.. Storer
to feel indebted to me for doing that which
fair honesty requires me to perform"
Hush. hush." be cried. ''you'll drive
me crazy. with your cant" and he walked
to his closet. and taking the key from his
pocket. unlocked the door. and drawing
out bottle. filed tumbler half full oi
brandy, which he emptied at q single
gulp.
l stood aghast. Never had known
Ralph Moulton to be guilty Of such an &C,
from my earliest remembrance. s.
He noticed the CONSERVATION on my
face, and remarked. Il suppose it is un.
necessary to offer you any :"
IEayed nv hand and7 shook nv head