Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-12-31
Flower of the Daisy.
A CHRISTMAS STORY.

ngton Brothers, old Joe Darling, tho an
cient book.keeper Of the firm, was finishing
his Saturday nights entries
While thus engaged, hand was laid on
bis shoulder, and turning his head, he saw
his old gray-haircd employer, the sole sur.
yivor Of the firm, beside him.
IL is the last time, my old friend -
said the merchant, pointing to the ledger /;
" the news this evening decides everything.
Unless something happens before the first
Of January, Worthington Brothers must
close doors and wind up business, Joe !"
Old Joe started as be listened to these
melancholy words, and trcmor ran through
him.
Don't say that don't say that, Mr.
Worthington, sir ~ he exclaimed And
he dabbed his bald forehead with bis old
bandanna handkcrchiefas bespoke. Don't
say that Worthington Brothers will suspend
payment, sir !"
Worse than that, joe returned the
VA merchant, with heavy sigh. see
: epe = resuming The great failures
IS 4 have hopelessly involved us--so
lt.n tItt|n .taunol with rloouv oxnraa
$50. & ~ eyes..ss.. so tbst on ar befars he
first of Ja,narvn he added " the house
will close ~ doar,. I could bcar That /.
but when tbig1 Wat tbc pone or Worth.
ing,or Rro,hers Ui0 be-d;shoporod -
There the old merchant broke down. -
Joe Darling seized his hand and cried, in a
trembling voice
4" D,n't don,t don't sav that sir ,
Don't use that word , disbonored II is
not So bad go
u Ruini ruin t-u,ter ruin ~ orooned
the merchant
&c No. no not ruin See here. sir I
-I-vou see have saved a little
And ola .Ioa drow from bis rockot hook
with unsteady hands certificates of denosit
in hank
Take If dri II was mode in vour
service i-honostlv made-tbere's NOT n
dirty shilling in it sir Il is yours
and
He thrust the napers into the merchants
bond Rnt Mr. Wcrtbincton rusbed tbom
hack
No, old fricnd,n said the merchant,
signing deeply. but speaking in voice of
resignation-'' no. that is not the way
Worthingtou Brothers do business II
we fail it shall be honesty-alone-a
honorable oxertion. We will not drag
down our friends and YOU, Joe, are our
oldest and best. No. the house has kept
faith and honor for fifty years. If ruin
comes, we will 20 down alone. 1t is not
our fault. will do nv duty. and trust in
God, Joe, to the end ~
As he spoke, the old merchant went to
his safe and took OUT roll of bank notes.
Then he directed the various employees to
be sent for, aud paid them all up to the
eud Of the week. He had kind word for
each, and an inquiry about every mans
lamlly or concerns and then he turned to
his desk But the men did not 60, .
" W nat are you waiting ior, my friends
Gan l assist you IN any manner y asked
the old merchant
IL you please sir, saiu the foremost
oil the party we would IKE TO leave our
money IN your hands I'm
And the speaker turned toward his rough
companions, who uttered hoarse murmur
of assent
Leave your money in my hands !" said
the merchant.
"Jest SO, SIR was the reply. 1--WE
hear tell how times are hard with Worth
ingtou Brothers, and the house in difficulties.
Now, we don't want our money as yet, Mr..
Worthington. Eh2 Do you?"
And he looked toward those in the rear.
Another growl OF assent replied.
d" An which. the Spokesman added " goes
to say, sir, that we are not in want Keen
the money. Mr.. Worthipeton :"
The merchant gazad, with deep emotion.
at the rough, honest faces.
THANKS thanks nv kind friends ~ he
said | now see what il is TO try to do our
duty This nroof of your friendship touches
mo deenlyLbnt cannot accent your offer
Sncb n snail sum besides would be of III.
tlc scrvice 10 mo- M no loon II md
NAV God bless Won and vours -
Tho emrlovecs re,irod on this not d,r-
inc If seemed 10 intrude further on the
head of tbe bouse
g Father in heaven | thank Thee - mur.
mnrc1 the merchant and turninc owov bo
Kicked nm the evening paper to hide his
emotionsJ As his ewes feli unon il a nara.
oranh attracted hisattention ltannonnced
lbe failure of the bank in which the old
book .keener's savings had all been demos.
tied with siob. he handed il 10 Joe
Dorl;r, and ali
81 deeply regretthis, my old friend. NV
ruin was enough"
Old Joe read the announcement with a
sinking heart, and echoed the sigh of his
friend.
8" The Lords will be done, sir :" he said
you might have had all-but | am now
penniess. Your trouble is greater than
mine Any letters, sir, by to-night's mail
Any resources or important intelligence %
- No resources, Joe. and bad news--al.
most worse than ALL"
"Worse, sir7"
Z" Yes, yes. You remember my son Char.
ley-of course you remember him. You
know he went about two years since to live
with Van Zandt & Co., at Antwerp ?"
Yes, sir. What of him. Don't tell me
he is not dead, sir?r
No-that pane is spared me, but
have bad, very bad news of Charley. nv
old friend / wrote recently announcing
our situation. and recommending his return
and Messrs Van Xandt & Co renlied ,bot