Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1878-02-21
Mas Old Beau.

The recent revelations concerning deed
torgeries at a criminal trial at Chicago,
remind me OF an incident that occurred a
few years ago, 10 the vicinity OF ST. Louis
which seems to me to be worth relating.
Clara and Mary Merwin, sisters and
orphans, were in the sitting room Of their
pleasant home on the edge OF a village
near the Missouri. Their mother had been
dead several years; their father had lately
died. leaving them an estate, as they sup
posed. OF the value Of some forty thousand
dollars. but they had learned quite recently
that the property was encountered 20 such
an extent that they were likely to be de-
prived OF il all. This discovery. as may be
supposed. filled them with sadness and
anxiety, and they were seated in silence
unable 10 read. TO converse, to work, To do
anything but brood over their great mis-
fortune.
While they were thus occupied with
sombre thoughts. buggy drove up in
front of the house, and II man aighted
and the buggy drove away.
The man must have been on the shady
side of tity. to judge from his grey hairs,
although his face was fresh and unwrin-
ked. He was dressed with remarkable
neatness. ana his manners indicated brisk
ness as well AS precision. In one hand he
carried a small valise, and in the ether an
umbrella, and he stepped quickly to the
door and rang the bell. In few minutes
he was ushered into the presence of the
young ladies.
'I'm Obliged to introduce my self" he
said. smiling aud bOwing In a courtly man
ner. "Abner Pierce. Here is my card
professional card. You will perceive am
lawyer in ST. Louis, and presumably a
respectable man. Don't be afraid; I'm
not here TO hurt you, but to help you.
have the honor to call myself friend to
your family-that is TO say, although it is
maRy years since l have seen any member
OF said family. l always had the highest
possible regard for your now santed
mother, and nothing would please the bet
ter than to be Of some service to her
children
We are happy to meet you" murmured
Clara.
Thank you. l happened to hear-no
matter bow-that you are In trouble. and
have come up here In the belief that can
assist you. l hope you will feel that you
can trust me. l am actually an honest
man, although q lawyer. and mean well
although | may express myself clumsily." ."
Il am free to admit" said Clara, that
We need assistance, and that we have not
known TO whom TO look for II.
VERY well. 1t is a good thing, no doubt,
that have come Now sit down and tell
me all about it,"
Clara Merwin. who was the elder of the
orphans, aud leader in everything. told
how she and her sister had taken out let
teTs OF administration upon their fathers
estate. when a man of whom they had
never before heard. put in AL appearance.
ard presented mortgage, with bonds in
cluded. executed by the late Mr.. Merwin,
upon all his real estate. for the sun OF
forty thousand dollars. Not content with
prohibiting them from attempting to sell
anything, he had tied up their money In
bank, leaving them absolutely penniless
They had used their credit. but tradesmeG
were becoming impatient, and some had
refused to supply them any further without
pay.
This Is . bad case" said Mr.. Pierce.
You need mohey-that is the first thing
to attend to. You must let me act as your
banker until get you out of this scrape,
and that won't be long. l hope. How
much do you Owe?''
more than one hundred dollars" al.
swered Clara.
The old gentleman counted out two hun
dred dollars from q well filled pocket
book. and handed 1t to her.
For your mothers sake" he said. when
she refused TO receive 1t, and he forced il