Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-06-11
Gales aud Sketfhes.
An ODD sreRY o. rHE JUSTICE Reen.


| wisdom of Solomon; and 80 there wert
people in the city in the days that immedi
ately followed the American war who hat
something to say against the firm OF Park
man, Bubb & Parkman OF No. IL Change
alley. They could not deny that it was al
old established concern, for Parkmans
had been trading between London ant
Calcutta in almost the early days of Johr
Company Bahadur. And they could no
saw that it was not prosperous, for IL
name stood high in It's own branch of bus
mess and it had never been known to &c
in for rash speculations or risky profits
But what people did say. and there were
old fogies on Change never tired OF repeat
ing il, was, that there was too much young
blood in ParkmaDs' go into Parkman's
these would say. land you'll have young
man to deal with. unless you have the
/ luck to do with old Parkman ~ treatment
which they seemed to think most offensive
/ And Of course when old Parkman died rath.
err suddenly these carpers were still more
triumphant. There was no saving clense
now, when they stated the treatment you
might expect at Parkmans'. For the sec.
ond partner was only sleeping partner
sleeping, it was currently reported, on a
fine estate in Ross shire-and young Park
maxwell. he was young Parkman.
Then CritchlOw. the cashier. was young
for cashier. being under forty; and
Crisp. the head clerk. was very young.
being something over thirty. And alto.
gether Parkmans' might expect, for some
time to come, to hear a good deal about
its young blood.
It was two O'Clock on Saturday some
three weeks after old Mr.. Parkman's
death. In the large office the clerks were
putting away their books. and getting
down their hats. There was murmur
of talk about the river, or Wimbledon, or
whatever amusement they severally had
in view tor the afternoon, when tall man,
dressed in dark mourning, and wearing
his hat, entered from an inner room. The
noise sank to respectful hum. He was
a handsome man, with short, fair mus
tache. and light blue eyes. He nodded
to one or two OF the clerks, and
walked through to where glass case in a
corner indicated the sanctum of the head
clerk. Crisp. small. slender. darkroom
plexioned man. looked up peevishly as
the chief entered. but seeing who it was
would have got down from his stool.
"Sit STILL" the merchant said. laying
his hand lightly on the others shoulder to
stay him. II am only waiting for the
carriage. 1t is more pleasant here than
in the outer office You are not going
about your usual business today, think,
Crisp, eh ?"
The clerks face flushed.
mo, Mr. James," he said, II am not"
what, haven't you made it up with
Der yet?"
The younger man shook his head. and
hen broke out suddenly with:
.'And what is more, sir. my temper has
been so bad ever since Critchlow found
out this deficiency that | should be afraid
Of making matters worse. don't wonder
she could not stand it, 1t is no good my
ryipg to make up with her till have
cleared that up. Then shall be myself
again and can look her in the face. As
old you. sir. shall come back at four
md go through the books quietly by my
self. shall never forget your kindness
,ir. never! But that Critchlow is so try
ng! There's not a clerk in the Office does
not know now that there is something the
matter with my accounts "
Crisp spoke with deep feeling, and it
was evident that the other believed him.
Don't think too much of it," he said,
Kindly. at it cannot be explained shall
still trust you. 1t is but small amount.
Try to bit upon the blot"
TRY" cried the head clerk; "I've
lred again and again."
He passed his hands through his hair
until it stood on end, and with his bright,
black eyes gave him very wild look
well. do your best" the merchant an
swered. drawing on his gloves. you
know my poor father had every confidence
in you--as he had in your father-and
have the same, Crisp"
And then he went, the young man look
ing after him with grateful. almost wor-
Shipping eyes. There were few men in his
position and at his age, so invariably kind
and considerate to their interiors as was
James Parkman. Old Parkman had been
the same, and the father and son enjoyed
a rare popularity in the office. 1t was
whispered. but probably there was no
truth in the malicious rumor, that they
never quarre'ed save with one another
Crisp sat for some minutes bordering,
and his face was any index to his thoughts,
upon some unpleasant subject. Then he
rose and taking his hat. went into the out
er office. There were still two or three
clerks there. detained by some small mat
tiers. and talking to them in sharp, rasp-
ing voice. was a stout. black -whiskered,
short faced man.
mot found it out yet P" he said to
Crisp, in sneering tone. He was Critch.
low. the cashier.
NO" retorted the head clerk, "nor
likely to while there is so much noise in
the office y
well. if were YOU. I'd stay and find
out. if stayed until tomorrow. But its
fine to be you. I've got to stay until four
or thereabouts, error or no error"
81 think" said Crisp. wrathfully. see
ing the clerks upon the broad grin. that |
should make it hot for you if staid long
with you anywhere"
And without waiting to hear the
cashiers retort or the burst of laughter
which his own excited answer evoked
from the youngsters he passed out and
ran down through the quiet ally into the
street.
CHAPTER III.
1T was hall. past four when Crisp, after
threading divers of the city's ways. in
which the crowds were now rapidly less
4 ~