The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1877-03-22

| of ing the matter to Mr.. Carlton,
but either his heart failed him, or his
companion made some remark TO
which he was compelled to reply. At
length they separated without any al
lusion by Mr.. Elder to the subject on
which he was SO desirous OF speaking.
He had not the courage to utter the
| first word. But this was only post
poning for brief period the evil day.
several remittances were anxiously
looking for that morning. He broke
the sealing, letter after letter, with
trembling anxiety. Alas! the mail
brought him no aid. His last hope
was gone. Nothing now remained
for him but to turn his face bravely to
the threatening storm, and bear up
against its furry.
For while he debated the question
as to what course was best for him TO
D lrsue. At one time he thought of
giving no information of his condition
1nsii' the flotary'5 pr6test shontgl stars
tie them from their Ignorance. Then
it seemed 10 him best to give notice OF
his condition. He prepared notes to
all, but to Mr.. Carlton first. His
heart failed him when he attempted to
write his name. Vividly, as if it had
occurred but the day previous, came
before his mind at all the circumstan-
ces attendant upon that gentleman's
appeal to his creditors. His cheek
burned when he remembered the posi-
ton he had assumed in that affair.
But, even though these were his
feelings, when he came to dispatch
the notes he had prepared, he could
only fiud courage to send this one to
Mr.. Carlton. The other creditors
whose bills had matured that day, he
thought he would go and see; but
half an hour passed without his acting
upon the resolutions to do so. Most
of the day was spent in walking un-
easily the floor of the ceuntjng-room,
or in examining certain accounts in
He was bending, all absorbed. over a
page of calculations at his desk, when
some one, who had entered unper-
ceived, pronounced his name. He
turned quickly aud looked Mr.. Carl
ton in the face. The color mounted
instantly TO the temples of Mr.. Elder.
He tried to speak but could not.
your note has taken me altogether
| by SURPRISE said Mr.. Carlton; :but
hope things are not SO bad as you sup
| pose.'
Mr.. Elder shook his head. he tried
to speak, but could not.
How much have you to pay to-day Z
asked Mr.. Carlton.
sTen thousand dollars was the re-
ply, in q husky voice.
How much have YOU toward it?'
| Net two fhOusa no.
How much falls due tomorrow
-Four thousand
How much In month
Fifty thousand
sWhat will be your available resour-
ces?'
Not half the amount
Haven't you good bills2'
sYes, but not negotiable
Mr.. Carlton mused for some time.
At length he said:
sYou must not lie over to-day
Il can not help it,
| you will transfer to me, as securi-
ty in case you have to stop payment,
the bills of which you speak. I will
lend you the amount you need to-day.
The color retired from the cheeks OF
Mr.. Elder, and then came back with 8
quick flash. He made no answer, but
looked steadily and doubtingly into
Mr.. Cartoons face.
Il have been in difficulties myself,
and know how to sympathize with
Others, said the latter. sWe should
aid, if we can. not break down, 3 fell
low-merchant when in trouble. In.
dorse bills to my order for the sum
for the amount.
Elder turned slowly to his desk,and
took therefrom, sundry notes of hand
in his favor, at various dates, from six
to twelve months, and indorsed them
payable to Carlton, who Immediately
gave him a check for eight thousand
dollars and left the store. A clerk
was Immediately dispatched to the
bank, and then Mr.. Elder sank into 8
chair half stupefied. He could hardly
believe his senses until the Cancelled
notes were placed in his hands.
The next morning Mr.Elder went to
his place of business with feelings bul
little less troubled than it had been or
the day before. His payments were
lighter, but his means were for the
first time exhausted. The best he
could do would be to borrow, but ht
already owed heavily for borrowed
money, aud was not certain that 10 &c
further was practicable. He though
of Mr.. Carlton, but every feeling o
his heart forbade him to seek further
aid from him.
q deserve no consideration there
and can not ask it, he murmured, al
he pursued his way toward his store
} The first thing that caught his eye ol
entering his counting room was pill,
} of ship letters. There had been an ar
rival from Valparaiso. He broke tn
l seal of the first one he took up will
! eagerness. 'Thank God Z was his al
!. most immediate exclamation. 1t wa
: from one of his captains, and contain