Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-03-02
CHAPTER XIV.
THE HEAVY TREES TOPPLE.

the downfall of Griesmann and his indorsers,
NorcroSs and Cleerskeigh. with the Summit,
whose funds they had misappropriated.
Jameson came TO the counting-room I'M
usually cheerful His anxiety respecting his
little property was relieved, for he thought
the monetary crisis was past, and that
thenceforth affairs would improve. The
clear, bracing air of the morning had its full
influence over his sensitive nature, and he,
for the time, forgot the universal distress.
But the thermometer fell rapidly as he caught
the expression which the face of his employer
wore. Mr.. Sleavin, of the house of Sleavin
& Co., was usually reserved, silent man,
in business almost a machine, honest both
from instinct and habit, and proud in his
quiet way, of his position and of his stainless
name. He had wife and daughter and
therefore was presumed to have affections
but those whom he met in the market never
thought of him, save as the systematic mer-
chant. Well as Jameson knew him, being
his confidential clerk, he never had seen more
than the case in which the buying, selling,
and note-paying machinery was incased. He
respected the evident integrity and worth of
the head of the house, but never dreamed of
& different feeling; he could as easily have
persuaded himself into cherishing an affec-
ton for the counting-house clock.
This morning, Mr.. Sleavin's face wore an
unusually sleepless, anxious look. The man
of routine was but man, after all, and, in
his distress, he longed for some intelligent,
friendly sympathy. Jameson recognized the
mute appeal, but, from long habits of reti-
cence, he was at loss how to approach his
stately chief. Determined, however, to give
him an opportunity to speak, if he chose,
Jameson asked after the news, the days
failures, and the prospects of business The
merchant needed only word, and broke out
at once
Prospect? there is no prospect but ruin. If
a whirlwind would bury the city, or a confa-
grafton leave it heap of ashes, it would be
better for all of usn
"But don't you think the darkest time has
pasta"
"Not at all; the pressure will continue until
scores more are brought down. Better fail
at once than live dread of it. Look at the
bales of goods in ,ur lofts-goods which no
body will buy and nobody can pay for
And our acceptances have been given to the
manufacturers for them-acceptances tina,
are maturing daily. Up to this time l have
taken up all our paper, as it became due; but
God knows how the next payments are to be
made"
81 had not thought of that"
"The house of Sleavin & Co. has never
known dishonor-"
The merchant wiped his spectacles-but il
was the eyes that We're dim, not the glasses
His lips ouivered and his breath came hard
as he continued
"But the time has come; the house must &C
down"
II hope not" said Jameson, fervently.
"Can nothing be done!'
Nothing. Every resource has been used
The banks won't discount; and l suppose
they can't; they are fully as weak as their Gus
TONER'S
II don't know but the offer may be useless
contemplate, even; but 1 have a small sum
in good notes, that may be available"
The merchant shook his head
"Whatever it is, you are welcome to it
Perhaps ten thousand dollars"
"Ten thousand dollarsI" exclaimed Mr.
Sleavin, "you have that sum-"
Eyes, the little property that was my
fathers. Let me go and get the notes. and
see if can't get some money upon them"
Mr.. Sleavin rose and took the clerks hand
with heartiness that astonished him.
God bless you, Jameson" he said. "a
may be saved after all. Ten thousand dol
lars will be enough for the present pinch
and before the next acceptance is due some
relief may come"
Don't speak of thanks. I'll get the note.
in a moment"
Tears stole silently down the unaccustomed
burrows: the gateway of feeling was open
but the tremulous lips refused to speak. Be
fore he could revover his self-possession
Jameson was gone. Mr. Sleavin tried to
read the newspapers, but the print before hi:
eyes conveyed no idea to his preoccupieo
brain. Then his thoughts turned to his
beautiful villa in the suburbs, and he remem
bered how that morning his daughter stepped
lightly into the brougham with him at tn.
back piazza, rode down the winding path
between the evergreen-hedges, and, after
giving him a kiss, sprang out when they
reached the gate. He knew, that when
he returned in the evening, he should find
her in her place under the great horse-chest-
nut tree, at the foot of the hill, ready to ride
to the house. How could he meet her with
the news he would have to carry2-how
crush the spirit of his invalid wife! Humili-
ating as the idea of failure was when consid-
cred in his relations with the mercantile
world, the thought of home, with its changed
feelings and circumstances, and the probable
deprivat of habitual indulgences, was far
more poignant.
1t was not long before Jameson returned
but with a less buoyant air. Mr.. Sleavin's
spirits fell instantly. Il see it ALL" said he
you can't do anything
Perhaps l may, yet The notes l spoke of
though due to me, are in the hands Of Mr..
Norcross, secretary of the Summit Insurance
company. / have beer there, and cannot
see him. His shutting himself up, am
afraid, bodies me no good. However, I'll &c
again an hour hence"
mo harm in trying. Did you indorse the
notes TO himP
mo. They were merely left with him for
convenience sake, as he was my agent in
loaning the money"
Then he can't make away with them
honestly"
Later Jameson went to see Mr.. Norcross,
but with no better success. The third time
he naturally spoke in a peremptory tone,
and, giving his name and business, said he
must and would see Mr.. Norcross, or get the
notes. The clerk, seeing that it was not far
from Q O'Clock, intimated, in a half-confden-
tial tone, that he would do well to ask Mr..
Sponsor, the broker, about them. Nervous
with apprehension, Jameson walked swiftly
Trainor coming out with exultation in every
feature. Within stood Trillion, his legs more
assFide than usual, his chin more confidently
settasd over his collar, and the head Of his
cane pressed against mis- mouth. As jamie
aun entered, Sponsor erased the conversation
and looking up said, blandly, MY young
friend, can do anything for your Trillion
at the same time turned his eyes and pointed
the long eyebrow at him inquiringiy.
Il hope so.' was the reply. -Have you
some notes in your possession payable TO
Robert Jamiesour
3Who asks the qusstionF-very civilly.
NY name Is Jameson
@Ah. Mr.. Norcross is your agent, 1 pre-
sumner
sYe- left the notes with him.
aAnd you wanted to raise some money on
fhemr
Yes, that il what wish"
Then you'll be pleased to know that
Mr.. Eorcross has anticipated you l loaned
him eight thousand dollars upon them this
morninG7
rLcansd him eight thousand dollerzr