Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1886-11-25


far as possible, but how much that
would be could not determine. They
were poor, and consequently not held
in much esteem by Mr.. Jameson.
also knew the secret of Mr.. Sell
by's influence over Mr.. Jameson. He
had not been long in San Francisco,
lived in great style, drove splendid
horses, and talked loudly of his wealth.
Such man was the very one to i'm
press Mr.. Jameson, who, having be-
gun life as a poor boy, and earned his
fortune by his own exertions, now
made money his god, and was ready
to bow down and worship any one
who possessed it. There had been va.
rious discreditable stories anoat in re-
gard to Selby, but nothing positive
enough to convince Mr.. Jameson,
So this was my position on the af-
ternoon of the twenty.sixth. Little
wonder that my good landlady con.
cluded that I had something on my
mind
Suddenly the doorbell rang a furi-
GUS peal; quick steps were heard on
the stairs, and a loud rap sounded on
my door.
Let me in, Harry, cried familiar
voice, and as | turned the key, in
rushed Dick Halsted.
How can you stay here? he ex-
claimed, when the whole city is in
such excitement Haven't you heardl
he went on, in answer to my look of
Why, man, the Bank of
California has stopped payment It
is said that there is an official an
nouncement that it will not go at all,
and if that is the case, half the firms
in the city will fail. Come out, and
hear for yourseIf?'
| seized my hat, and dashed down
stairs, conscious Of only one thought.
1.-THE Bank Of California had failed, Mr.
jameson was ruined, as his entire for
tune WAS invested in the mining stocks
controlled by the bank, which of course
would now sink to a mere cipher, and
what effect would this have on Selby2
The city was, az Dick had said, in
great excitement California Street
was filled with dense crowd on eth
er side Of the bank. Every emotion
was depicted in the countenances by
which we were surrounded, from idle
to perfect agony. We had
pushed through the crowd nearly to
the bank, when ! saw a man come
Keeling along, as though almost una
bic to walk. In an instant perceiv-
ed that it was Mr.. Jameson. Fearful
of repulse, if offered the assistance
he so evidently required, and yet un-
willing, for Nellie's sake, to let him
pass unaided, | hesitated for a mo-
ment what course to pursue, when to
my relief saw that he was making
for SeIby, who stood near.
All the better, thought |, the Bit
ter feelings returning at sight of the
two. i want nothing to do with eth
err and was passing along with Dick,
when a sudden exclamation fell upon
my ear. 1t was from Mr.. Jameson,
who, unheeding me, or the crowd, was
,aIking earnestly to Selby.
All gone + he was saying. I tell
you, SeIby, the property it has taken
ne life time to accumulate, will all
De gone, if this is true.
glanced at Selby. His face grew
white. Well, sir, he said, coldly.
| sincerely regret your i'll fortune;
md turned to depart without another
word.
placed my hand on his shoulder
o rouse him. Listen to me, Mr..
Iameson, | said. i have a home,
which | prepared when | thought to
Jain your consent to my marriage
With Nellie. 1t is not grand and
luxurious like yours, but neat and
comfortable. Let me marry Nellie,
md her home shall be yours. | have
nough to support us all, and will
most gladly do 80. You have seen for
'ourself how much Selby is to be de-
,ended upon
1 can tell you plenty about him,
tut in Dick, drawing some letters
rom his pocket. Finding he was
likely to be in your way, Harry, |
wrote to some friends of mine, whose
lames | had heard him mention, and
he replies came to day. You will
ee there is proof of his being swim
Her. and not much douot that he is
orger.
Mr.. jameson read the letters in
Hence, and when he had finished, ex.
laimed in a voice so unlike the pom.