Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1888-08-30
CHAPTER XIV.
EVERY MAN FOR HIMsELF.

Mr.. Norcross walked towards his office
that fine autumn morning, in no amiabl'
mood. Nature seemed TO protest against hi,
angry violence; the very stones Of the pave
ment seemed TO say, "He need not thump u;
in that way; we can't pay his note" Til,
trees r1stled their leaves with a shu ider a
he passed under them; they dropped 10 beni
son upon face which even the golden morn
ing could not tighten. "I4et him stride on!'
said they, 1--WE shall be more cheerful in com
pany with the maids washing the
side walks or taking out the chill
dren for an airing" Canaries ceased
their songs in the windows; urchin,
stopped their hoops and stood on the curb
stones, cycling the gloomy man aslance. Al
the office door he met Trillicn,-his face q
trlRe more ruidy, his eye with cpldar gilt
s,r, and his queer eyebrow pointing with an
odder significance.
"How are you Norcrossg"-A very short
nod. -"Cool, this morning standing with
his dumpy legs apart, he nibbled at the ivory
head of his cane.
SMr. Trillion," said Norcross, "you must
help me. You must lift that note Come,
know you can do it,-and III make it worth
your while"
Cant do it, you want long extension,
s'pose."
''Say three or four months
thine is money, as told you before. In
four months, with forty thousand dollars,
could-do pretty well, ending the sentence
in low tone, that indicated desire to keeI
his 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 madel There is not money
enough to pay what must be paid"
The eyebrow was stifily pointed as Trillior
answered.
al do forbear / must forbear Griesmam
of you, sha'n't get the money must &c
without
1t was an injured tone.
"Then why do you let it go to protestr
"Only form, Norcross Usage of the
mercantile world. Very irregular not to dc
it. Sorry, but can't be helped
Mr.. Norcross' patience was exhausted.
at is my turn to-day, Trillion; ! have nc
further resource; / am ruined. You fee
strong and look upon my distress in tri
ADul OOuA Turn VIII tDlilt. MAI "A III
words Within a fortnight | shall see you
rushing down Wall street in despair; your
property will be swept away with flood
and you will be a 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 Griesmanr
hadn't wick enough in him to stand alone
Rather a poor candle, he is-he he! Morn
ingp
The gray eyes twinkled, the eyebrow
whisked, and the sturdy legs bore the credit
or away.
Entering the office, Mr.. Norcross tried t
assume cheerful look. Was there no ont
of the bald or grizzly haired gentlemen who
smiled so benignly whom he could ask fol
aida Not one he knew their circumstances
they had no money at command; all theil
property was locked up in investments. HI
thought of the many chairmen and directors
in benevolent associations with whom he wa,
connected. No-they 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 bis parchment testimonials for one gooC
'promise to payi" He groaned almost audi
bly,, and wondered how he could pass thu
time till the close of bank hours. The sus
pense was a torture as keen as the calamity
itself
A visitor entered; it was Skiemure. Hi
came with a cheerful, even exulting look.
Good news, NOrcrossT
"Newsl" exclaimed Norcross, impetuously
"What newsl How muchf
In his absent state he forgot that Skiemur,
was not aware Of his thoughts, and associated
good news only with an accommodation &
serve his present need. But his Tutoring ex
pectations were dashed to the ground witt
the reply.
allow much, did you sayl A clean ma
jority over all Your name stands at the
head of the ticket"
II am obliged to you,D replied Norcross
sadly, "but | don't think / can accept til,
nomination"
"well, that is rather strong" said skie
mure you'd best keep your modesty fol
the papers; it's thrown away on me-"
aI really can't bother with politics.
"Why, then, did you lay your corns TO gc
the place. and make me all this trouble fol-
nothing"
al am really sorry, Skiemure, but. to tel
you just how it is | am so much involved il
this fearful momentary pressure that have
no time nor heart for anything else"
COMPOUNDED spooneyw muttered Skie
mure, between his teeth. IF I'D known BIZ
was so weak in the knees, I'd have gone il
for Spreadeagle, who offered a handsome
figure"
"Come in tomorrow. Skiemure, and vel
talk about it, / can't think about it now
III make all right with you"
Still muttering, the disappointed politician
departed leaving Norcross in a deeper abys
than before. To prevent unwelcome visits
the latter left word with his clerks that b,
could see no one whatever.
TO while away the time he took out his cash
book and private papers. There was about ,
thousand dollars in bank.
ut viii be best to draw that though
he, "for there's no knowing what may hap
pen"
And the oflice-boy was dispatched with I
check for the amount
"Let us see what other resources. Their,
are Jamieson's notes-ten thousand dollars
can raise something ON them. I'll borrow
from Sponsor, who seems to have fund,