The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1888-10-11
CHAPTER XIV.

/ CHAPTER XIV.
THE HEAVY TREES ToPPLE
On the morning Of the day which brought
the downfall of Griesmann and his indorsers,
Norcross and Cleerskeigh, with the Summit,
whose funds they had misappropriated.
Jameson came to the counting-room UNI
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.
lin business almost 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
a 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 a 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, g.
"Prospects there is no prospect but ruin If
whirlwind would bury the city, or confa-
grafton leave it heap Of ashes, it would be
better for all of us"
aBut don't you think the darkest time has
past?'
"Not at all; the pressure will continue until
scores more are brought down. Better fail
at once than live in dread Of it. Look at the
bales OF goods in our lofts-goods which no.
body will buy and nobody can pay for.
And our acceptances have been given to the
manufacturers for them-acceptances that
are maturing daily. Up to this time have
| taken up all our paper, as it became due; but
God knows how the next payments are to be
made"
II had not thought Of that"
.The house Of Sleavin & Co. has never
known dishonor-"
The merchant wiped his spectacles- it
was the eyes that were dim, not the glasses
His lips quivered and his breath came hard,
as he continued
| "But the time has come; the house must go
down.
Il hope not" said Jameson, fervently.
| "Can nothing be doneg"
| Nothing. Every resource has been used
| The banks won't discount; and I suppose
they can't; they are fully as weak as their Gus
| toner's
Il don't know but the offer may be useless,
contemplate, even; but I have 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 dollars!o exclaimed Mr..
| Sleavin, "you have that sumo"
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.
3God bless you, Jameson" he said. II
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 notes
| in 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 his
eyes conveyed no idea to his preoccupied
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 the
back piazza, rode down the winding path
between the evergreen-hedges. and, after
giving him q 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 carry ?-how
| crush the spirit Of his invalid wifes Humili-
ating as the idea Of failure was when consid-
cred in his relations with the mercantile
world, the thought Of lone, with its changed
| feelings and circumstances, and the probable
deprivation of habitual indulgences, was far
more poignant.
It was not long before Jameson returned,
but with less buoyant air Mr.. Sleavins
spirits fell instantly. II see it al, !" said he,
| ayou can't do anything"
perhaps may, yet. The notes spoke Of.
though due to me, are in the hands of Mr..
Norcross, secretary of the Summit Insurance
company. have been there, and cannot
see him. His shutting himself up, am
afraid, bodies me no good. However, I'll 60
again an hour hence"
mo harm in trying. Did you indorse the
notes to him!n
mo. They were merely left with him for