The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-06-06
AN ODD STORY OF JUSTICE.

AN ODD STORY OF JUSTICE.
 No doubt there were some in the time of the queen of Sheba who carped at the wisdom of Solomon; and so there were people in the city in the days that imme- diately followed the American war who had something to say against the firm of Parkman. Bubb & PArkman, of Y Change alley. They could not deny tn 1t it was an old-established concern, for Park mans had been trading between London and Calcutta in almost the early days of John Company Bahadur And they could not say that it was not prosperous, for it's name stood high in its own branch of businesS 1; and 1t had never been known to go in for rash speculations or risky profits. But what people did say, and there were old fogies on Change never tired of repeating it, was that there was too much young blood in P4rkmans' "Go into PArkmans'," these would say, and you'll have young man to deal with, unless you have the luck to do with old Parkman Y treatment which they seemed to think most offensive. And of course when old Parkman died rather suddenly, these carpers were still more triumphant There was no saving clause now when they stated the treatment you might expect at Parkmahs'. For the second partner was only sleeping part. ner-sleeping, it was currently reported on fne estate in Ross-shire aud young Parkman-well, he was young Parkman. Then Critchlow, the cashier, was younl tor 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 o'clock on a Saturday some three weeks after old Mr. ParkmanX death. In the large office the clerks were putting away their books, and getting cc~2 she!r hats. There was murmur ot talk about the river, or Wimbledon, or whatever amusement they severally had in view for the afternoon, when a tall man, dressed in dark mourning, and wearing his hat, entered from an inner room. The noise sank to a respectful hum. He was handsome man, with a short fair mous.ache and ligh. blue eyes He nodded pleasantly to one or two of the clerks and walked through to where glass case in corner indicated the sanctum of the head clerk. Crisp, a small, slender, dark-complexioned 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. am only waiting for the carriage. It is more pleasant here than ID the outer office. You are not going about your usual business to-day, think Crisp, eh?'
 The clerks face flushed.
 No, MT. James," he said, "l am not" "What, haven't you made it up with her yet ?"
 The younger man shook his head. and then broke out suddenly with:
 And what is more, sir. my temper has been so bad ever since Critchiow found out this deficiency that should be afraid of making matters worse. l don't wonder she could not stand it; it is no good my trying to make it up with her till have cleared that up. Then 1 shall be myself again, and can look her in the face As l tols you, sir, shall come back at four, and go through the books quietly by myself. 1 shall never forget your kindness, sir, neverl But that Cr'tchlow is SO trying l-there's not a clerk la the office does not know now that there is something the matter with nay accounts"
 Crisp spoke with deep feeling, and it was evident that the other believed him.
 Don't think too much of it l" he said kindly. @ If it cannot be explained. I shall still trust you. It is but a small amount. Try to hit upon the blot"
 Tyr cried the head clerk <" I've tried again and again."
 He passed his hands through Ms hair until it stood on end, and with his bright. black eyes gave him very wild look.
 "Well, do your best,n the merchant answered, drawing on his gloves. "You know my poor father had every conf. dence in you-as he had in your father and have the same, Crisp"
 And thea he went the young man looking afser him with grateful almos. worshiping, eyes. There were lev men in his position and at his age SO invaria- bly, kind and considerate to their inferiors as vas James Parkman. sOld Parkman had been the same; and father and son enjoyed . rare popularity in the office. It vas whispered, but probably there vas no truth in the malicious rumor, that they never quarfeled save with one an- other. sf7
 Crisp sat for some minutes pondering,