Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-24
An ODD STORY OF JUSTICE
CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER l.
No doubt there were some in the time
Of the Queen of Sheba who carped at the
wisdom Of solomon, and so there We're
people in the city ia the days that lmme-
dIately followed the American war VINO
had something to say against the firm of
Parkman, Bubb d Parkman, Of II Change
alley. They could not deny that it was an
OlG-estabiished concern, for Parkmans'
had been trading between London and
Calcutta in almost the early days OF JOnn
Company Bahadur. And they could not
say that it was not prosperous, for It's
name stood high in it's own branch of
business; and it had never been known to
20 in for rash specu ations or risky profits.
But what people aid say, and there were
cd fOgies on Change never tired of re-
peatng it, was that there was too much
Young blood in Parkmans'. $50 into
Parkmans'," these would say, "and you'll
have a young man to deal with, unless
you have the luck 10 do with Old Park
manW treatment which they seemed TO
think most offensive. And of course
Wnen OLD Parkmau died rather suddenly,
these carpers were sill more triumphant.
There was no saving clause now when
they ed the treatment you might eX-
pect at ParkmanS'. For the second part
ner was only "a sleeping partner-seep-
ing, it was currently reported, on a fine
estate in ROsS-shlre-and young Park
maxwell, he was young Parkman.
Then CritchlOW, the cashier, was Young
for cashier, being under 40; and Crisp,
the head clerk, was very young, being
something over 30. And altogether Park
mans might expect, for some time TO
come, TO hear good deal about its young
blood.
1t was o'clock on a 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 a murmur Of
talk about the river, or Wimbledon, OF
whatever amusement they severally had
in view for the afternoon, when. Il tail
man, dressed in dark mourning and wear
ing his hat, entered from an inner room
fne noise sank to respectful hum. He
was handsome man, with short, far
mOustache and light blue eyes. He no ded
pleasantly TO one or two Of the clerks and
walked through 10 where glass case in
a corner Indicated the sanctum of the
head clerk. Crisp, small, slender,
Ctark-e0mplexi0ned man, looked up peev.
ishly as the chief entered, but seeing VINO
it was would have got down from his
stool.
''Sit STILL" the merchant said, laying
his hand lightly on the others shoulder to
carriage. 1t is more pleasant here than
in the outer office. You are not going
about your usual business to-day, think,
Crisp, EMP
The clerks face flushed.
mo, Mr.. James," he said, II am not"
What, haven't you made isup with
her YETI"
The younger man shook his head, and
then broke out suddenly with:
ga nd Vyhaf ia mora sir my tpmnpr 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; it is no good my
trying to make it up with her till l have
cleared that up. Then l shall be myself
again, and can look her in the face. AS
told you, sir, | shall come back at and
20 through the books quietly by myself. /
shall never forget your kindness, sir,
never! But that CritchlOw is 80 trying!-
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 itv' he said.
kindly. "If it cannot he explained |
shall still trust you. 1t is but a small
amount. Try TO hit upon the blot
''Fryr" cried the head clerk; "Pve tried
again and again."
He passed his hands through his hair
until il stood on end, and with his bright,
black eyes gave him a very wild look.
"Well, do your best" the merchant an
swered, drawing on his gloves. "YOu know
my poor father had every confidence In
yoa-as he had in your tather-and l 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 father and son enjoyed a
rare popularity in the office. Twas whis-
pered, but probably there was no truth in
the malicious rumor, that they neYe.
quarreed save with one another.
Crisp sat for some minutes bordering,
and, il his face was any index 10 his
thoughts, upon some unpleasant subject
Then he arose, and taking his hat went
into the outer office. There were still two
or three clerks there, detained 10y some
small matters, and talking to them IN
sharp, rasping voice was stout, black
Whiskered, shOrt-faced man.
mot found it out yetY' he said 70 Crisp
10 sneering tone. He was Critchlow,
the cashier.
No" retorted the head clerk, "nor
likely 10 while there is 80 much noise in
thp "tlicei"
Well, il / were you, I'd stay and find
it Ut, II | stayed until tomorrow. But
10 is fine TO he YOU. pve got 70 stay until
or whereabouts, error or no error"
81 think" said Crisp, wrathfully, see
/ my he clerks upon the broad grin, "that
i ! should make il hot for YOU If / stayed
long with you anywherew
Aud without waiting TO hear the cash
4 ier's retort, or the burst OF laughter
which his own excited answer evoked
from the youngsters, he passed out aud
ran down the stairs and through the quiet
alley into the street.
on DTsTR II