Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1884-05-08
AN AMICABLE ARRANGEMENT

~ ~
Mr.. Gimblet. the celebrated ex-de-
tective. was foolish enough TO trans
act his Stock exchange business
through an outside broker With all
his astuteness, he shared the idosyn-
Grassy of many clever people, of being
somewhat careless about his private
affairs, and the glowing advertise
ments of Messrs. Want 81 Slowbody
had proved irresistible. He had not
done badly by the firm, upon the
whole, when one morning he learned
to his great digcust that the junior
partner had disappeared after commit
ting extensive defalcatlons.
Mr.. Gimblet, fortunately, had re-
Gently realized nearly all his securl-
ties and duly received payment. There
remained a balance due him, but
it was not very much, and if the fail
ure of Messrs. Want & Slowbody had
occurred the ordinary way he would
have borne his loss with equanimity.
But. according to the reports publish
ed in the newspapers, it appeared that
the misfortune had been entirely
brought about by the fragrant dishon-
esty of Mr.. Slowbody, who had taken
advantage of his seniors temporary
absence to abscopd with an enormous
sum of money, and had apparently
contrived to get clear with his booty.
The greatest sympathy was expressed
for Mr.. Want, who had fastened home
on hearing the startling news, only to
find himself utterly ruined. II made
Mr.. Gimblet very angry indeed to
think that he had been robbed, and
ne determined that Mr.. Slowbody
should not escape scot-free for want
of any assistance he could render.
Accordingly, Mr. Gimblet attended
the preliminary meeting OF the credl-
tors of the firm, dressed IN his best,
with the inevitable flower in his but
ton hole Nobody paid the slightest
attention to him. for he modestly kept
in the background and took opart in
the proceedings lie did not trouble his
head by attempting to follow the
figures and the dry business details
which bore upon the important ques
ton of tie dividend the estate would
Weld. but certain parts Of Mr.. Wants
pathetic and eloquent statement IN
terested him so much that when the
meeting adjourned he politely accost
ed that gentleman ana requested a
few minutes conversation.
Mr.. Want seemed inclined to resent
Mr.. Gimblets demand as an imper
thence. He was iloried, elderly
man, with loud voice, and rather
pompous manners. He probably con.
sidered that after the ample statement
he had made, the questions he had
satisfactorily answered, and the un-
animous vote of sympathy by which
his creditors had testified their appre-
citation of his straightforward conduct
he might be spared the opportunities
of individual creditors.
II ann afraid that just at this mo
ment have no time to give you, SIR, W
he replied glancing rather. superciG-
ously at Mr.. Gimblet
Very well. Only | thought |
might possibly be of some service
to you, said Mr. Gimblet, quietly.
In what way" inquired Mr..
Want.
My name is Gimblet, said the ex-
detective, producing one of his bust
ness cards
"Oh ali ! to be sure, said Mr. Want
with sudden cordiality. 81 believe
you generally transacted your bust
ness through my late partner, That
is why did not recognize you. Come
in here.
Mr.. Gimblet followed Mr.. Want into
a small private room, with a grattied
smile upon his shrewd lips. Vanity
was the ex-detective's weak point, and
he could not help feeling tlattered at
Mr. Wants change of manner.
II believe you are one of the small
er creditors, Mr.. Gimblet, fortunately
for yourself" remarked Mr. Want,
when they were alone.
Eyes, said Mr.. Glmblet taking a
mental note Of the fact that for the
first time during the day Mr. Want
showed signs Of nervousness. How
ever, did not wish to trouble you
about that
"Ohl don't consider me for a mo-
ment. said Mr.. Want, with a wave OF
his white hand. II place myself en-
tirely and unreservedly at the dispo-
sition If my creditors. Everything l
possess in the world-my house, my
plate and my carriages and even my
wifes iewelry-will go towards in
creasing the dividend and repairing