Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1873-12-25
FLOWER OF THE DAISY.
A Christmas Story.

It 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 OAR
ling, 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 grey-haired employer,
the sole survivor of the firm, beside
him.
Its the last time, my old FRIEND"
said the merchant, pointing to the
ledger: e. g the news this evening de-
cides everything. Unless something
happens before the first of January,
Worthington Brothers must close
doors, and wind up business, Joe!'
Old Joe started as he listened to
melancholy words, and tremor ran
through him.
':Don't say that! don't say that, Mr..
Worthington !" he exclaimed. Aud he
dabbcl lis bald forehead with his old
bandonna handkerchief as he spoke
"Don't say that Worthington Brothers
will suspend payment, sir"
"Worse than that, Joe," returned
the old merchant, with a heavy sigh.
81 see no hope of resuming. The
great failures in Europe have hopeless
" Involved us-so that he stopped
with gloomy expression in his eyes
$50 that, on or before the first of JAN
uary," he added the house will close
it's doors. I cOdld bear that; but,
when I think that the name of Worth
ington Brothers will be dishonored-"
There the old merchant broke down.
Joe Darling seized his hand, and cried,
in trembling voice:
"Don't, don't !-don't say that. sir {!
Don't use that word |dishonored ! 1t
is lot SO oad!''
"Ruin! ruin! utter ruin!'' groaned
the merchant.
mo, no; not ruin See here sir.
II-you see, I have saved little
Aud old Joe drew from his pocket
book with unsteady hands, certificates
of deposit in banks.
F." Take it, sir! It WAS made IN you1
service! honestly ma,'e-there's not d
dirty shilling in it, sir. 1t is yours
and"
He thrust the papers into the mer
chants hand. Bnt MIR. WorthingtoL
pushed them back.
mo, old friend, - said the merchant
signing deeply, but speaking in voice
of resignation-''n no, that is not thu
way Worthington Brothers do business
If we fail, it shall be honestly-alone-
after honorable exertion. We will moi
drag down our friends, and you, Joe
our oldest and best. No, the house
has kept faith and honor for fit,
years. If ruin comes, we will 60 dow
alone. It is not our fault. will d.
my duty and trust in God, Joe, to thu
end"
Al he spoke, the old merchant wen
to his safe and took ont Il roll of banl
notes. Then he directed the variou!
employees to be sent for, and paid then
all up to the end Of the week. He hat
u kind word for each, and an inuuir,
about every mans family or concerns
and then he turned to his desk. Blu
the men did not go.
"Wllat are you waiting for, NJ,
friends 2" Can | assist you IN an,
manner 20 asked the old merchant.
eff You please, sir" said the fore
most of the party, eve would like tt
, leave our money in y"nr hands. Eli {?
And the speaker turned toward hi
companions, who uttered IL hoarse ,nul
I muir Of assent.
"Leavc your money in my hands !?
! said the merchant.
/, "Just 80, sir" was the reply. "W
hear tell how times are hard wit
Wortlington Brothers, and the hors
in difficulties Now, we don't want or,
money as yet, Mr.. Worthington. Eth
: DO you?"
| And he looked toward those in IL,
: rear. Another growl of assent replied
+, CAN which" the spokesman addct
: "goes to show, sir, that we are not ,
! wnnt. Keep the money, Mr.. Worth
: ;ngton."
7 The merchant gazel, with dee
emotion, ut the rough, honest faces.
. "Thanks, thanks, my kind friends !
j, he said. "This proof Of your ,rrien,
/ ship touched me dccply--but T cam,
o accept your offer. Such n small sun
q besides, would be Of little service. N,
4 no, keep it, and may God bless yo
land yours !"