The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1878-12-21
Flower Of the Daisy.
a CHRISTMAS STORY.
BY JOHN L. COOKE.

It was just a 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 q 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.
1t is the last time, my old friend. :"
said the merchant, pointing toward the
ledger; T" the news this evening decides
every thing. Unless something happens
before the first of January, Worthington
Brothers must close doors, and wind up
business, Joe -
Old Jos 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
bandanna handkerchief as ne spoke.
Don't say that Worthington Brothers
viii suspend payment, sir"
Worse than that, Joe, returned the
old merchant with heavy sigh, Il see
no hope Of resuming. The great failures
in Europe have hopelessly involved US
50 that"-he stopped with gloomy ex-
preston in his eyes 50 that on or be-
fore the first of January" he added,
the house will close its doors. l could
bear that; but, when / think that the
name of Worthington Brothers will be
dishOnored-"
There the old merchant broke down.
Joe Darling seized his hand, and cried
in q trembling voice:
Don't! don't!-don't say that, sir
Don't use that word 'dishonor! 1t is
not so bad!"
Ruin! ruin!-utter ruinl" groaned
the merchant
No, no; not ruin. See here sir. /
You see | have saved little"
And old Joe drew from his pocket
book, with unsteady hands certificates
Of deposit in bank
Take il, sir 1t was made in your
service honestly made-there's not a
dirty shilling in it, sir. 1t is yours
and"
No, old friend, ;" said the merchant,
signing deeply, but speaking in voice
OF resignation" no, that is not the way
Worthington Brothers do business. If
we fail, it shall be honestly-alone-
after honorable exertion. 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 90 down alone. 1t
is not our fault | viii do my duty, and
trust in God, Joe. to the endl"
As he spoke, the old merchant went
70 his safe and took out roll of bank
notes. Then he directed the various
employees to be sent for, aud paid them
al UP 70 the end of the week. He mad
Kind word for each, ami an inquiry
about every mans family or concerns;
and then he turned to his desk. But
the men did not go.
What are you waiting for, nv
friends? Can | sssisU you in any man,
ner? asked the old merchant
II you please, sir, said the foremost
Of the party, " we would like to leave
our money in your hands. Eh?"
And the speaker turned toward his
murmur of assent.
Leave your money in my hands?"
said the merchant.
uNAN So $50 0tsH the reply. Ne
hear tell how times are hard with Worth
ington Brothers, and the house is in diff
eulties Now, we don't want our money
a vet, Sir. WorJbmgton. En-? Do
you?"
And he looked toward those in the
rear. Another growI Of assent replied
.All which, the spokesman added
goes To say, sir, that we are not in
want. Keep the money, Mr.. Worthing-
ton"
The merchant gazad, with deep emo
ton, st the rough, honest faces.
Thanks, thanks, my kind friends"
he said. Il now see what il Is 10 try
TO do our duty. This proof OF your
friendship touches me deeply-but | can
not accept Of your offer Such a small
sum, besides, would be of little service
to NE. No, no! keep it, and may God
bless you and yours"
The employees retired on this, not dar
ing, it seemed, 10 intrude further on the
head Of the house.
Father in heaven | thank Thee!
muYmured the merchant, and turning