Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-02-22
Au Original 2rize Storg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
THE OAKHURST ROMANCE.
BY MRS. HENRY DEAS.
CHAPTER XI.

had formerly borne that name, bid adieu to
Oaklands, it was with the idea Of going out
West and finding employment in some large
city there. He had no definite idea OF what
the employment would be; he supposed he
might get a situation as clerk in some count
ing.house; but the chief difficulty in his way
would be the want Of references of any kind
He had naturally hopeful spirit, however,
and as he proceeded on his journey his heart
became somewhat lightened Of its heavy load,
and he began to look forward and make plans
for the future.
He had fixed upon Chicago as his destina-
ton, and on his arrival there, put up tempo
rarily at hotel, where he registered his name
as Richard Powell-the first name that came
into his mind. Anything would do, provided
it was as different as possible from the cogno-
men by which he had hitherto been known.
"The only difficulty will be, that shall be
in danger of forgetting it," he said to himself.
"I must keep good lookout, that the other
doesn't slip out unaware
And then the idea occurred to him, what a
strange, sad thing it seemed that Brooke Ev-
ersham no longer existed. Inlaying aside the
old familiar name it was as if friend had
died and been buried out of sight
But he had no leisure now to indulge IN
lamentations over this lost friend. He must
act, not think.
His first proceeding was to 60 the reading
room and look over the daily papers, in the
hope of finding something that might suit
him.
There was long list of "Wants," none of
which were inviting; such as Wanted, clerk
in Grocery Store; to one trustworthy and
capable, liberal salary given. Good refer
ences required"
"Wanted, a partner in light manufacture
ing and jobbing business; in good location,
and making from SO to $40 day." &c.
Finally at the very end came one that he
paused to read over again.
"Wapted, young man of steady habits to
write eout bills and accounts, and DO collecting
for a large wholesale dry;goods establishment
Apply at No., ,-St"
''That mightdo for beginning" he thought.
Gas long as I can make living for the first
year, must be satisfied"
Itwas too late that evening to do anything;
so he went to bed early and fortified himself
by sound sleep
After breakfast next morning he started
forth on his quest. He had no difficulty in
finding the address given in the advertise
ment; it was large store in one of the prin-
cipal streets. Heentered, and asked tosee one
of the firm.
"Mr. Weber is in, sir" said the clerk whom
he addressed, and who evidently took him for
a customer. "Please to walk this way"
He was shown into bsck-room, and Mr..
Weber, good looking elderly German, met
him at the door and invited him to take seat.
81 called in answer to this" said Brooke,
or Richard as we must now call him, taking
from his pocket the advertisement, which he
had cut out of the paper for reference.
"Indeed!" said Mr.. Weber, in evident sur
prise. He paused moment, then added,
your qualifications"
81 can write a good hand, and am quick at
accounts" replied Richard.
Mr.. Weber handed him an account to fill
up. Richard wrote it out rapidly and legi-
bly,.
"Good," said the other. "Now, are you a
good walker; for in collecting, assure you.
that's an important consideration
"I can walk twenty miles day." said
Richard.
"Well, we shall hardly require as much as
that" said Mr.. Weber, smiling. He then
named the salary which his partner and him
self proposed to give.
eff that would suit you, Mr.. -, Mr."
"Powell" said Richard
eff that would suit you, Mr.. Powell, we
shall be happy to take you on trial for
month, at the end Of which time either of us
will be free to dissolve the bargain, or else
ratify it for the year. We are anxious to
have the post filled as soon as possible, as our
business is very large, and we find that our
book-keeper's hands are too full, and there
are any amount of bills on hand to be col
lected."
II can come as soon as you please-to-day,
if necessary"
"To-morrow will answer. Now, to the last
and equally important point-you have omit
ted to show me your references"
II am sorry to say, have none, said Rich
ard, feeling very blank.
"No references" rejoined the merchant.
"No, sir. am a stranger here, and have
come to seek business. You said nothing in
your advertisement about references"
"It is understood, as matter of course, -
said Mr.. Weber, "In position so RESPONSE
BILE as the one offered, we dare not employ a
stranger without some guarantee of his relia-
bility. Of course, you will understand that
this is an established rule of the frm," he
added, politely, "and we can make no excep-
tional cases, otherwise we should be happy to
accommodate you."
"Of course" said Richard greatly disap-
pointed, yet trying to conceal the unpleasura
BILE emotion. 81 am sorry to have taken up
so much of your time" he added as he rose to
leave.
"Not at all, sir, not at all" )" said the mer-
chant escorting him to the door. 81 am very
sorry that this obstacle should be in the way
of our coming to a mutual understanding, but
as I said before, we cannot deviate from es-
tablished rules. Fine day for walk, sir