The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1873-12-20
g christmas Storp.
THE FLOWER OF THE DAISY,
BY JOHN EsTEN COOKE.
CHAPTER /,

1t was Just week before Christmas,
and, perched on his three legged stool, in
the counting-room of the great house Of
Worthington Brothers, old Joe Darling,
the ancient book keeper'of the firm, was
finishing his Saturday nights entries.
While thus engaged, hand was laid
on his shoulder, and, turning his head, he
saw his old gray.haired employer, the sole
survivor of the firm, beside him.
alt 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, JoeP
Old Joe started as he listened to these
melancholy words, and a tremor ran through
him.
Don't say that don't say that, Mr..
Worthington, sir" he exclaimed. And
he dabbed his bald forehead with his old
bapdanna handkerchief as he spoke.
"Don't say that WOrthington Brothers will
suspend payment, sir y
@Worse than that, Joe" returned the
old merchant, with heavy sigh. II sec
no hope Of resuming. The great failures
in Europe have hopelessly involved us--so
that"-he stopped, with gloomy express
sion in his eyes-'so that, on or before the
first of January" he added, the house viii
close its doors. l could bear that; but
when think that the name of Worthing-
ton Brothers will-be dishonored---"
There the old merchant broke down.
Joe Darling seized his hand, aud cried, in
n trembling voice;
"Don't, don't! don't say that, sir Don't
use that word ''dishonored y IL is not SO
badW
"Ruin ruin utter ruin' groaned
the merchant.
"No, no; not ruin See here, sir. l
---I-you see, have little"
And old Joe drew from his pocket
book, with unsteady hands, certificates Of
deposit in bank.
"Take it, sir 1t was made in your
service honestly made-there's not n
dirty shilling in it, sir. 1t is yours-and
-"
He thrust the papers into the merchants 5
hand. But Mr.. Worthington pushed them
back
"No, old friend" said the merchant,
sighing deeply, but speaking in voice of
resignation---''no, that is not the way
Worthington Brothers do business II
we fail, il shall be stly--alone- after
honorable exertion. We will not drag
down our friends; and you, Joe, are our
eldest and best. No, the house has kept
faith and honor for fifty years. If ruin
comes, we will 20 down alone. Il is not
our fault. | will do my duty, and trust in
God, Joe, to the end y
As he spoke, the old merchant went to
his safe and took out roll of bank notes.
Then directed the various employees to be
sent for, and kind word for each, and an
inquiry about every mans family or con-
Germs; and then he turned to his desk.
But the mcu did not 90.
"What are you waiting for, my friends2
Can assist you in any manner?" asked
the old merchant.
If you please, sir, said the foremost Of
the party, eve would like to leave our
money in your hands--Eh?"
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. awe
hear tell how times are hard with Worth
ington Brothers, and the house is in diff
culties. We dent want our money as yet,
Mr., Worthington,-Eh Do you?"
And he looked toward those in the rear.
Another growl Of assent replied.
All which" the spokesman added,
''goes to say, sir, that we are not in want.
Keep the money, Mr.. Worthingtonr'
The merchant gazcd, with deep emotion,
at the rough, honest faces.
Thanks, thanks, my kind friends |" be
said. 81 now see what il is to try TO do
our duty. This proof Of your friendship
teuches me dceply--but | cannot accept
your offer. Such small sum, besides,
would he Of little service to me. No, no,
keep It, and may God bless you and
yours
The employees retired on this, not dar-
lng, it seemed, TO iatrudc further on the
head Of the house.
Father in heayes. ] Thank Thee y
murmured the merchant and, turning
he picked up the evening paper, to hide
his emotion. Az his eye fell upon it. u
paragraph attracted his attention. II an.
nounced the failure of the bank In which
the old book-keeper's savings had all becn
deposited. With sigh, he handed II to
Joe Darling, and said
deeply regret this, my old friend.