The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-11-20

MY FRIENDS STORY.
tChicago Telegraph.l

haANhst
Frank Belmont, and extending my hand.
1t was cold winters day in the month
of November when | met my friend in a
down town office in this city. He seemed
little troubled, for the world express
sion on his face betrayed nervousness,
anxiety and fear.
"Confound it, Fred, l am in trouble"
he replied, ''and don't know how am
going to get out of it,"
DWELL, old boy" l continued, "tell me
all about it, and if | can be of any service
you can count on me-"
"Thanks," was his reply. "My story is
long one, but when You have heard it
you will probably sympathize with me.
"About one year ago, while crossing
State street as an old gentleman was
alighting from a car, the conductor, not
waiting to see if his passenger was of,
rung the bell, and the sudden starting of
the car threw him to the pavement fat
on his back. Irushed to the spot and
found him lying insensible. With the
assistance of stranger we conveyed him
to neighboring drug store, and had a
physician sent for.
"Before the arrival of the doctor he
revived, and upon opening his eyes he
stretched forth his hand and beckoned
me to him. l placed my e,r close to his
mouth, as he said, God bless you, young
man for your kindness; take my address,
but do not notify my family" )"
"The doctor is here" exclaimed seve-
raj voices. By this time the store was
crowded with curiosity seekers, and it
was several minutes before policeman
arrived and compelled the crowd to dis
perse. The doctor advanced to the old
gentleman who was lying upon his back
on lounge, his pale but handsome face
with long beard, and silvery grey hair,
betokening not only a man of response
bility and intellect, but also man Of
means.
"Where do you feel the most pain?'
was the doctors question. "No where"
was the reply; 81 was only stunned, but
am able to get along" l offered my
services to see the old gent home, which
were accepted. So walkingl o thecashier's
desk l requested him to call a carriage,
and in few minutes all was ready. Re
ceiving from my patient his card, | in
structed the carriage to be driven to No.
0-street, in the South Division. We
were now both inside the vehicle, and
placing my fingers on the window pane
scratched the frost away to see where we
were. The wheels seemed to revolve
with lightning rapidity. We were going
south on Michigan avenue. and as l was
endeavoring to catch a glimpse of the
street name on the corner lamp post, my
attention was arrested by the old gentle
man who addressed me as follows:
"'Young man, what's your name and
business"
Frank Belmont" l responded, "and
my occupation is that of clerk. l have
been employed in the same firm for six
years."
"Ah, I see," responded Mr.. Garrison,
for such was his name, ''you are en-
ployed. That's right. Young man, l
like to see it. Keep straight, be attent-
i've to business, and you are sure to sue
ceed."
The vehicle had now come to stand
still; the driver opened the door, and an
nounced the fact that we were at the
house. Alighting first, I assisted Mr..
Peter Garrison up the steps Of his
residence, and rung the bell; the door
opened, and we stepped in. The parlor
was elegantly furnished, and upon the
wall hung the portrait Of a young lady
apparently about nineteen years of age.
Such lovely face, yes, and such wealth
of golden hair, | had never seen before. /
thought then and there, as ] gazed upon
the portrait that | would give year of
my life to meet this creature face to face.
From few moments conversation with
Mr.. Garrison / CLEANED the following
facts: He had been grain dealer, but
since his wife's death he had not been &C
lively engaged in any business. He was
now sixty-fve years of age and had only
two children, Edna and Robert. Edna
had graduated with high honors from a
Western academy. She was to leave
some time during the week for Dingman's
Ferry to spend fortnight with her aunt.
When questioned concerning Robert, Mr..
Garrison bowed his head, his voice trem-
bled, and at last he said "My son to me
is dead. The last time he was here, upon
refusing to advance him large sum of
money, he threatened me with harm and
left the house. He is twenty-five years
of age. I have supported him all these
years, gave him a good education, but
bad company has ruined him. Oh, would
he were good boy" and the old gentle
man wept as though his heart would
break. I tried to cheer him up by say
ing Robert would yet SOW his wild oats,
out it was some time before succeeded.
Finally induced more cheerful spirit
to take possession of him, and was con-
gratulating myself upon being such a
successful comforter, when supper was
announced, and just as arose to take my
departure, the door opened, and there en-
tered the youngslady, whose picture Ihad
lately gazed upon. "Mr. Belmont, my
daughter" spoke Mr.. Garrison. l bowed,
excused myself for having intruded at
such an hour, and found the young
lady to be, as conjectured, most charm
ing girl. Retreating to the door / bade
them good night, and was asked to call
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