Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-02-24
CHAPTER XIV.
EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF.

Mr. Norcross walked towards his office.
that fine autumn morning, in no amiable
mood. Nature seemed to protest against his
angry violence; the very stones of the pave
ment seemed to say, "He need not thump us
in that way; we can't pay his note" The
trees rustIed their leaves with a shudder as
he passed under them; they dropped no beni-
son upon a face which even the golden morn
ing could not tighten. LET him stride on!n
said they, 1--WE shall be more cheerful I'm COM
pany with the maids washing the
side walks or taking out the chill
dren for an airing" Canaries ceased
their songs iii the windows; urchins
stopped their hoops and stood on the curb
stones, eyeing the gloomy man askance. At
the office door he met Trillion,--his face a
triae more ruddy, his eye with colder gilt
ter, and his queer eyebrow pointing with an
odder significance.
How are you Norcrossfn-A very short
nod.-"Cool, this morning. standing with
his dumpy legs apart, he nibbled at the ivory
head OF his cane
"Mr. Trillion," said Norcross, "you must
help me. You must lift that note. Come, 1
know you can do it,-and I'll make it worth
your while"
Cant do it; you want long extension,
s'pose."
Say three or four months"
thine is money, as l told you before. In
four months with forty thousand dollars, 7
could-do pretty well" ending the sentence
in low tone, that indicated a desire to keep
bis first thought back.
ain time like this, Mr.. Trillion, it is the
duty of every man to assist his neighbor to
the extent of his ability. If there is no for
bearance, no brotherly aid, how are the
complicated settlements of a mad community
like this to be made? There is not money
enough to pay what must be paid"
The eyebrow was stiffly pointed as Trillion
answered.
81 do forbear. | must forbear. Griesmann
owes me; you indorse; you can't pay, neither
OF you, | sha'n't get the money. ! must go
without"
1t was an injured tone.
"Then why do you let it go to protest?"
@Only form, Norcross. Usage of the
mercantile world. Very irregular not to do
it. Sorry, but can't be helped"
Mr.. Norcross' patience was exhausted.
at is my turn to-day, Trillion; | have no
further resource; l am ruined. You feel
strong and look upon my distress in tri-
umph But your turn will come. Mark my
words. Within a fortnight l shall see you
rushing down Wall street in despair, your
property will be swept away with food,
and you will be beggar-as you deserve
to be-"
Sorry to see you excited, Norcross. Best
to keep your temper Guess you and Cheers
keigh will raise the money. Pity Griesmann
hadn't wick enough in him to stand alone.
Rather poor candle, he is-he! he! Morn
ing!"
W.
whisked, and the sturdy legs bore the credit
or away.
Entering the office, Mr.. Norcross tried to
assume cheerful look. Was there no one
of the bald or grizzly haired gentlemen who
smiled so benignly whom he could ask for
aida Not one; he knew their circumstances;
they had no money at command; all their
property was locked up in investments He
thought of the many chairmen and directors
in benevolent associations with whom he was
connected. Motley were either men of
moderate means, or had some son or nephew
or brother in business whose credit they
must uphold. How gladly would he barter
all his parchment testimonials for one good
promise to pay!" He groaned almost audi
bly,, and wondered how be could pass the
time till the close of bank hours. The sus-
pense was torture as keen as the calamity
itself
A visitor entered; it was Skiemure He
came with a cheerful, even exulting look.
GOOD news, Norcrossm
News" exclaimed Norcross, impetuously.
SWhat newsl How muchf'
In his absent state he forgot that Skiemure
was not aware of his thoughts, and associated
good news only with an accommodation to
serve his present need. But his Tutoring ex-
pectations were dashed to the ground with
the reply
How much, did you says A clean ma
jority over all Your name stands at the
head of the ticket
Il am obliged to you" replied Norcross,
sadly, @but I don't think can accept the
nomination
sWell, that is rather strong" said Skie-
mure you'd best keep your modesty for
the papers; it's thrown away on me-
Il really can't bother with politics.
Why, then, did you lay your corns to get
the place, and make all this trouble for
nothingF'
4 am really sorry, Skiemure, but. 70 tell
you just how it is, am 50 much involved In
this fearful momentary pressure that / have
no time nor heart for anything else
COMPOUNDED spooney." muttered Skie-
mure, between his teeth. 4If Id known be
was so weak in the knees, 70 have gone in
for Spreadeagie, who offered q handsome
figure"
Come in to-morroE. Skiemure. and ven