Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1878-11-07
HARLEY'S CHANCES.

HARLEY'S CHANCES.
Prior to the great financial crash OF
1887, Joshua Martin vas deemed the
most prosperous merchant In the
then frontier city OF Sr Joseph. Wis.
He was noted for his sterling integ-
rity and stainless character; and, IL
be reveled in wealth, he did not par.
ade it bef,re the eyes OF the people.
He came to st. Joseph In 1881, and
at once began to amass a fortune.
Those who pretended to know, said
that the merchant operated in Eastern
stocks, and that tie bulk OF his
wealth was staked among the bulls
and bears OF New York.
The memorable crash of that de-
cade which embraced the dates above
written ruined Joshua Martin. He
had staked everything In Eastern Sc
curities. and he suddenly found him.
self comparative beggar. Poor,
blinded mani He couldsave nothing
from the wreck, and he sat among
the ruins OF his fortune, like Marius
among those OF Carthage. Forced to
relinquish the imposing residence
which, in his eagernes to delve deep
er into stock, he had mortgaged
away, he was obliged to remove his
family. consisting OF wife and one
daughter, to an humble dwelling:
and from the date OF that removal
the Martins were no N 1re mentioned
in the fashionable society OF "St. Jo."
The troubles OF the bankrupts
family did not end here. The blow
killed the merchant. Though u
strong man, he could not bear up un.
der his loss. IL IA few thousand had
been taken from him at intervals, he
might have recovered aud regained
his lost position; but the destruction
OF tens OF thousands at one sweep OF
the waves overwhelmed him. He
sank rapidly. and died, leaving his
family 10 buffet the waves OF the
world and TO do The best they could
among those who had once knrlt at
their feet. but who now did not deian
to recognize them on the streets.
When rich man suddenly becomes
poor, the grave IL the best place for
him. 1t Is house OF refuge, where
he IL safe from the scorn OF those
whose equal and superior In social
position lie once was.
Mother and daughter took quite
readily to their new lie. They sold
much OF the gorgeous furniture which
had ornamented their late home, but
kept the piano and few other pieces
which Maumee loved.
Manmee Martin had grown to be-
wi'ching womanhood during her life
In st. Jo-eph, aud her acc mplish-
ments rivaled her beauty. After the
death OF her father-after her trans
formation into the child OF despised
bankrupt-she did'not shrink from
the duties that fell TO her lot.
She must live; she must earn her
daily bread; and a week after tho
change Of life we find Maumee Mar
tin plying the seamstress' needle, OF
giving lessons Ia music to n few chill
dren whose parents sent them to her
because she taught cheaper than reg.
uiaT preceptors.
BY and by the house which they
occupied Was sold over their heads |;
but the new owner--s great, middle
aged, but somewhat handsome. man
assured them that they should not
be turned out.
The new owner was stranger IN
81. Joseph. but Immediately pur
chasing the property above men
toned, he opened a commission store,
and ut once drew a thriving patron
age about him.
Andreas Harley. for such was his
name, came often 10 the house OF the
Martins. and reports went abroad TO
the effect that he intended to we'd the
bankrupl's widow.
My chances are decidedly good. "
said the merchant one evening, as he
bent over the counting room desk.
The girl appears coy, but she will
come about In time. People think
that am after the widow. but new
er entertained thought In that d.
rection. The beauty OF the daughter
would draw the W dow's most devoted
adorer In her side. That girls a
beauty. She must become Mrs. Har-
ley; she shalll Yes" after a long
pause, and as he slowly turned from
the desk. Harley, your chances are
good - decidedly good. You own
their home, and In the depth OF win
ter you can turn them out. IL Maumee
becomes stubborn and says Nor
He was the sole occupant OF the
counting room. but a. be crossed the
threshold and turned to lock the door
he heard footstep aud voice down
the dark aisle.
Hold moment. Mr.. Harley. Re.
open tine counting-room door, please.
l wish few words with YOU