Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1873-03-18
MIS- CELIA n E 0V s..
TEE WILDn INVESTMENT
OR,
The Two Merchants.

was porng over a pile of leigefs in tho
counting room of one Of the largest establish
ments in Boston. The person addressed
turned towards the speaker, and regarded hin,
for moment with surprise, and inquired:
What security can You give me ?''
Nothing but my note''
(Which fear would be below par in the
market" replied the merchant smiling.
''Ferhaps So" the young man replied,
"but, Mr. Barton, remember that the bow is
not the man; the time may come when Hiram
S'rosser's note may be as readily accepted as
that of any other man"
True, very true" said Barton, mildly,
"but business men seldom lean money withnu,
adequate security; otherwise thew might soon
be reduced to pcnurv."
At this remark. rho young mans cnnnte
nance became deadly pale. and having observ>
cd silence of several minutes; be inquired in
voice whose tones Indicated keen disnppoint-
ment:
'"lhen you cannot accommodate me ?''
"CaIl upon me to morrow, aud will give
you reply" said Mr.. Barton and the Young
man retired.
"Mr lSnrtnn resumed his abors at the desk
but his mind was so much upon the boy, and
his singular errand. that he could not pursue
his task with any corrcc, uess-and after hnv>
ing made several sad hIunders, he closed his
ledger. took his hat and went out upon the
street. Arriving opposite the door of a weal>
thy merchant, in Milk street. he entered the
door.
Good morning, Mr.. Hawiov," said he.
approaching the proprietor of the establish
mcnt. who WIS seated at his desk, counting
over the profits of the week
''G"od morning" replied tho merchant
R1Ti
Anv news HOw's trade ?'
Without noticing these intcrrosations Bar,
ton said
Young Strosscr is desirous of establishing
himself in small retail business in Washing
ton street, and called this morning to secure
OF me the loan Of two thousand dollars for
that purposs"
"Indeed," exclaimed ITowley, evidently
surprised Mt this announcement; "but YOU do
not think Of loanng that sum. do You ?''
Il do not know" replied Barton. "Strosser
is a young man of business talent and a,rict
integrity, and will he likely to succeed 10
whatever he undertakes"
"Perhaps So" replied Hawley, doubtfuliy.
"out am heartily tired of helping to estab,
i'sh those young aspirants for commercial
honors"
"Have you ever suffered any from such
course (" inquired Barton at the same time
casting rougish glance at Hawley.
"No.' replied EIawley. "for never felt in i.
clined to take an investment of that kind"
''Then there is fine Opportunity to do so
It may prove better than the stock in bank.
As for myself, l have concluded that if YOU
will advance one thousand dollars, will con-
tribute an equal sum"
Not a single arthing would advance for
such purpose; and if yon make an invest
ment Of that kind, nhal consider YOU very
foolish
'fWell," said Mr. Barton, t.if Won do not
feel disposed t" share with me in the enter
prise. shall advance the whole myself"-
Saying which, he leff the store
K
Ten years have passed away since the oc-
currance of the conversation recorded in the
preceding dialogue, and Mr. Barton rale and
agitated. in stardin. at the same desk as when
first introduced TO the reader attention. AS
page after page of his pondcrous ledger was
examined, his dispair became deeper, till at
last he exclaimed
Il am ruinrd-utterly ruined !"
Chow SOP" inquired Hiram Strosser, who
entered the counting room just in time 10 hear
Bar.on's remark
The last European steamer brought news
of the failure of the house Of Perich. Jack
sOn Il Co., who are indebted to me the sum of
nearly two hundred thousand dollars. News
Of the faiiare has become general, and INV
creditors, panic stricken. are pressing in NV
paper to he cnshed. The bankers refuse me
credit, and have not the means to meet nv
liabilities. IF I could pass this crisis. per-
haps could rally again. but it is impossible,
my creditors are importunste, and cannot
much longer keep above tide" replied Barton.
''What is the extent of your liabilities ?"
"Seventy>fve thousand dolIsrs"
would that sum suffice to relieve you 2"
''1t would"
''Then, sir. you shall have it," said Strosser,
as he stepped up to the desk and drew a check
for seveutyfve thousand dollars Here.
take this, and when you need more, do not
hesitate to call npon me. Remember that it
was from you l received money to establish
myself in business
But the debt has been cancelled several
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 cancelled. and
now the scale is turned, deem it my duty
to come up to the rescue" .A,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 month he had passed