Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-08-15


 the verge of ruin. And to such an ex- tent did this fear lay hold Of his mind that he found himself all at once talk ing the most gloomy view of the affair. Perhaps the old man had allowed his broad sympathies to draw him into heavy Inducements for other people until his entire business depended on the outcome of the venture in wheat Perhaps Georges heart sank lower perhaps all the wheat in question was nnder heavy mortgage at that very moment, and it was for that reason Hillyer doubted prompt payment. Presently Hillyer came back, his face haggard, his manner still highly nerv- ous.
 ssI sent the order to our bankers" he said, and then he sat down at his desk. George, closely watching him, saw him draw a sheet of paper to him and dip pen in the ink well, but he did not write Kenner went out to the com press on hearing the gang of negroes loudly laughing at some mishap, and Hanks slouched after him. Hnlyer looked about the room and observed that he and George were alone, but he said nothing. Half an hour passed, then a telegram came The old man took 1t with quivering fingers and opened It. It fell huttering to his feet. The gray head went down. George. signed for the telegram and sent the boy away.
 What is itg' he asked his employer, cold fear over him.
 Hillyer looked up. Jacobs & Go. want thirty days" he groaned. George, I felt it comin' It's Gods sign to me. I'm damned soul. Lynn Hambright is at the throne directing my over throw This thing settles me. met his old mother up the street yesterday. She looked me right in the face and did not speak I knoWed then that something was going to happen
 George could say nothing at all He laid his hand on the old mans shoul- der, but finally removed it and went back to his desk. Surely Hillyer was losing his mind After all, what man could keep his mental balance under the pressure that had been on him all those years2
 George, I'm in an awful fix" The merchant rose to his feet and stood near his clerk.
 Whats wrong, MT. Hillyer? Can help you?"
 "Neehing can help me if we lose on this deal,'' said the old man.
 'sBut how can you lose on it at the price you paid and the present mar ket?" Buckley questioned, now de- termined to try to get at the cause of the old mans trouble. The merchant hung his head for a moment, and then he said, Come back to yore room, George; I don't want them fellers to come in while I'm talking. see I've got to tell you everything
 Wonderingly Buckley followed him back to the cheerless room. Hillyer sank on the edge of the bed and sat with his hands clasped tightly between his knees.
 ''The old trouble is at the bottom of It," he began. huskily, and then he cleared his throat and went on more distinctly. "All along have thought, In offerin' up prayers for pardon, that Ed beg the Almighty fer a sign wheth- CT was forgiven or not. Somehow I believed he'd give it, but every time was tempted to ask for it I would back out. was afeared the sign would be agin me. But after you overcome yore temptation to drownd yore late trouble in drink an shoulder ed it like a man thought I'd resk it an ask the Almighty to give me jest 8 hint that I was on the right road in