Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1884-05-15
AFTER THE FAILURE.

UlIDleJ, Iue CcleOlulSu 0A-uoCSS"'o
was foolish enough to transact his stock ex-
change business through an outsid, broker.
With all his astuteness he shared the ido-
syncrasy Of many clever people, of being
somewhat careless about his private affairs,
and tie glowing advertisements of Messrs
Vart e. Slowbody had proved irresistible
He had not done badly by the firm, upon
the whole, when one morning he learned to
his great disgust that the junior partner had
disappeared after committing extensive de-
falcations.
Mr.. Gimblet, fortunately, had recently
realized nearly all his securities and
duly received payment. There remained
a balance due him, but it was not
very much, and if the failure Of Messrs
Want g. Slowbody had occurred in the ordi-
nary way he would have borne his loss with
equani,nity. But, according to the reports
published in the newspapers, it appeared
that the misfortune had been entirely
brought about by the fragrant dishonesty OF
MI. Slowbody, who had taken advantage OF
his seniors temporary absence to abscond
with All enormous sum of money, and had
apparently contrivei to get clear away with
his booty. The greatest sympathy was ex-
pressed for Mr.. Want, who had fastened
home on hearing the startling news, only to
find himself utterly ruined. 1t made Mr.
Gimblet very angry indeed to think that he
had been robbed, and he determined that Nr.
Slowbody should not escape scotfree for
want of any assistance he could render.
Accordingly, Mr.. Gimb!et attended the pre-
limnary meeting or the creditors OF the hrn,
dressed in his best, with the inevitable
flower in his button hole Nobody paid the
slightest attention to him, for he modestly
l,.,, ;,,t L,ol Md md took no in
the proceedings. He did not trouble his
head by attempting to follow the figures and
the dry business details which bore upon the
important question Of the dividend the
estate would yield, but certain parts OF Mr..
Wants pathetic and eloquent statement in
telested him SO much that when the meeting
journed he politely accosted that gentle
nlnn and requested few minutes conversa-
ton
Mr. Want seemed inclined to resent Mr..
Gimblet's demand rs an impertinence lie
was a torid, elderly man, with a loud voice
and rather pomrous manners. He probably
considered that, after the ample statement
he had made, the questions he had satlsfac-
torily answered aud the unanimous vote or
sympathy BY which his ere iitors had testl
fled their appreciation of his straightfor-
ward conduct he might be spared the inn
portunities Of individual ii creditors.
~ am afraid that, just at this moment, l
have no time to give You, sir" he replied,
glancing rather supercAliousy at Mr.. Climb
let.
very well only thought l might pos
sibly be Of some service to you," said MIR.
Gimblet, quietly.
AN wrat wayf" inquired Mr.. Want.
any name is Gimbct,' said the eSdetect-
i've, producing ono of his business cards,
"Ohl An! To be sure" said Mr. Want,
with sudden coldlal!ty. II believe you gen
orally transacted your business through my
late partner. That is Why did not r,cos-
nze you. Come in here"
Mr.. Gimblet followed Mr. Want into pri-
va'e room, with n gratitied smile upon his
shrewd lips. Vanity was the ex-detectives
weak point and he could not help feeling
fattered at Mr. Wants change Of manner
81 believe you are one If the smaller cred.
itors MIR. Gimblet, fortunately for your
self" remarked NJ. Want, when they were
alone
"Yes" said Mr.. Gimb!et, taking a mental
note cf tie fact that for the first time during
the day Mr. Nunt showed signs Of nervous
hess. "Huwever, | 90 not wish 10 trouble
you about that"
"Ou, don't consider me for moment"
said Mr.. Want, with a wave of his white
hand. II place myself entirely and unve-
servedly at the disroitlon of my creditors.
Everything POSSESS i'll the world-ny house,
my plate, aud my carriages, and even my
wife's jlwery-Ulll 60 toward increasing the
dividend and repairing this terrible disaster
far as lies in my power"
$50 | understand" said Mr.. Gimblet, quite
unmovel. II want to ask about Mr.. Slow
body"
"A warrant has been issued for his apore-
henson,' returned Mr.. Want, somewhat i'm
patiently.
ayes sir know. But not until too late"
What do you meant | gave information
to the police within an hour after my return
home" said Mr. Want, rcddening slightly.
a understand the facts are these" said Ar.
Gimblet. "You and your family were stay
ing at Biarritz-"
ave had been there two months" inter.
posed Mr.. Want.
Exactly; you had no suspicion Of your
partners proceedings until"
e"Until received his letter. written from
Queenstown, informing me of his flight" in.
tellupted Mr.. Want, quickly Il imm-
dately started home by the first train, and
after spending half en- hour here l called in
the police. You sse did not lose moment"
"No but tue letter did not reach you till
several days-more than a week. in fact
after date" remarked Mr.. Gimblet.
"That is so. Unfortunately | had left
Biarri with my family the day before the
letter arrived there. Consequently it had to
be forwarded on to Paris, and that caused
delay"
MIR SIowbody had plenty of time to reach
America, if that was bis destination, between
the date of his letter and the time of your
giving information to the police" observed
Mr.. Gimblet, musinGly.
"That may he presume these questions
have reference to a desire on your part to as
sist in apprehending my late partners" said
Mr.. Want, drawing himself up.
"Mcst certainly. Considering that he has
robbed ami ruined you, no one in MS senses
would imagine you desired to assist his es-
cape" said Mr.. GinlLlet, with an innocent
air.
"My dear sir, II am a Christian, pro-
Tossing Christian certainly, and hope, a
sincere one. AT the same time cannot help
feeling vindctive toward my late partner.
When think of the misery and suffering he
has wrought"
"What do the police say, sir7' sail Mr..
Gmblet, interruptng MIR. Wants remarks
with scant courtesy.
"Well they have no clew at present, but
they are hopeful" answered Mr.. Want. IL
am sure they would be grateful for any sug
gestion you could make to them"
"No they wouldn't, because | might tell
them that they are on the wrong scent alto
gether,' said Mr. Gimblet, looking his com
panion in the face. "However," lie al led,
feigning not to notice Mr. Wants start and
look of confusion, ~ never interfere in what