Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-11-20
Harley's Chances.

Marley s CuauceS.
Prior 10 the great financial crash OF
1885,, Joshua Martin was deemed the
most prosperous merchant in the then
frontier city of st. Joseph, Wis. lie
was noted for his sterling integrity and
stainless character, and, if he reveled
in wealth, he did not parade it before
the eyes of the people.
He came to st. Joseph in 1881, and al
once began 10 amass fortune. Those
who pretended to know said that the
merchant operate in Eastern stocks.
aud that the bulk Of his wealth was
staked among the bulls and bears OF
New York.
The memorable crash of that decade
which embraced the dates above writ
ten ruined Joshua Martin. He had
staked everything in Eastern securi-
ties, and he suddenly found himself a
comparative beggar. Poor, blinded
man. He could save nothing from the
wreck, and he sat among the ruins OF
his fortune, like Marius among those
OF Carthage Forced to relinquish the
imposing residenc. which in his eager
ness TO delve deeper into stock, he had
morigaged away, he was obliged TO re-
move his family. consisting of a wife
aud one daughter, TO an humble dwell
ing. and from the date of that removal
the Martins were no more mentioned
in the fashionable society of ''St. 10.
The troubles of the bankrupt's fam
lily did not end here. The blow killed
the merchant. Though 4 strong ranr
he could not bear up under his loss. II
a few thousand had been taken from
him at intervals, ne might have recov-
cred and regained his lost position, but
the destruction of tens of thousands al
one sweep of the waves overwhelmed
him. He sank rapidly and died, leav-
ing his family to buffet the waves OF
the world, and to do the best they
could among those who had once knel'
ar their feet, but who now did not deign
10 recognize them on the streets.
When a rich man suddenly becomes
poor, the grave is the best place for
him. 1t is house of refuge, where he
is safe from the scorn OF those whose
equal and superior in social position he
once WAS.
Mother and daughter took quite
readily 10 their new life. They sold
much of the gorgeous furniture whlch
had ornamented their late home, but
kept the piano and few other pieces
which Maumee loved.
Maumee Martin hal grown TO De-
witching womanhood during her liie
In 81. joseph. and her accomplishments
riyaled her beauty. After the uealn
of her father-after her transformation
into the child of despised bankrupt
she did not shrink from the duties thai
fell 10 her lot.
She must live; she must earn hei
daily bread and week after the change
Of life we find Maumee Martin plying
the seamstress' needle or giving lessons
I'm music 10 few children whose par
ents sent them 10 her because sh'
taught cheaper than regular precep'
tors.
Bv and by the house which they oc'
cupied was sold over their heads, bu'
The new owner-a great, middte-ageu
snd somewhat handsome, man-assu'
red them that they should not be pu
out.
The new owner was stranger III ot
Joseph. but Immediately purchasing
the property above mentioned III
onened commission store. and at once
drew a thriving patronage about MIN
Audreas Harley, for such was hli
name. came often 10 the house OF th'
Martins, and reports went aoroau u
tne effect that he intended to "ed th'
bankrupt's widow.
.Nv chances are decidedly good,
said the merchant one evening, "a III
bent over the counting-room desk
The girl appears coy. but she WI
come about in time. People think Una
I'm after the widow. but L never en-
tertained thought in that direction
The beauty of the daughter woui'
draw the widows most devoted adore
n her side. That girls beauty. sh
mnst become Mrs. Harley; she shall
Yes.n after long pause, and as n
SLOWLY turned from the desk, "Hariey
vopr chances are good-decidedly ver.
yood. You own their home, and In tn
depth of winter you can turn them ou'
If Maumee becomes stubborn and say
no."
He was the sole occupant OF the iarg
counting-room, but as he crossed IN
threshold and turned TO lock the ooof
he heard a footstep and voice down th
aisle.
..Hold moment, Mr. Harley. he
omen the counting-room door, please
wish a few words with you.
He drd not reply, but stepped INT
the cosy counting-room closely foiio"e
by Phillip Lee.
"well?'' he inquired, turning sue
denly upon the handsome young cierh
"speak quickly, Lee; Imust be going
"All 1 desire to say is that some