THE OLD FARM.
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��mained In Mr. Johnson's employ. By close attention to his duties, and con- stant regard for the interests of the busi- ness, he had gained a high position in the confidence and esteem of Mr. John- son, and been promoted from one posi- tion to another, until at the end of five years he had come to occupy the place of confidential clerk. Meanwhile the weight of years and constant application to business was pressing heavily upon Mr. Johnson, and he had finally conclud- ed to retire, giving up active connection therewith, but retaining a large interest in the establishment, of which, under the new arrangement, his son-in-law, a Mr. Martin, who had been connected with him for several years, became the active head, while Charles was offered a posi- tion as junior partner. This was a mark of generous consideration altogether un- expected by Charles, and he was almost overwhelmed with astonishment, Avhen Mr. Johnson first unfolded to him his plan for the future conduct of the busi- ness, and the connection with it which he had designed for him. He hesitated for a long time before accepting the offer, hardly feeling justified in assuming so serious a responsibility, and placing him- self under so great obligation as he would incur in accepting the material assistance necessary, and which Mr. Johnson urged upon him as a matter of course. But, finally, when assured by his old employ- er that the arrangement was one which he desired to consummate for his own benefit and relief from business cares, as much as for the advancement of those in whose welfare he felt a special interest, he consented. In a short time the ar- rangements were completed, and the new firm of Martin, Bradley & Co. was known to the world as the successor of Johnson &Co.
Charles was now apparently on the high road to the accomplishment of his most ambitious purpose. The inflation period had opened, business every where was brisk, aim the trade of the new firm was extending in every direction. For- tune was indeed smiling upon our hero. In four years time, so great had been the prosperity of the firm that he was ena- bled to discharge all his obligations, and
��was thus the owner of an unincumbered fourth interest in the business, the entire net profits of which were not less than thirty thousand dollars per annum.
And now Charles's thoughts were turn- ing to the old New Hampshire home, and the dear ones he had left there — especial- ly to the blue-eyed, tender-hearted maid- ed to whom he had pledged his love so long ago, from whom he had heard noth- ing, to whom he had Sjent no token of re- membrance, in all the long years of sep- aration. Was she living ? Was she true to him, waiting his promised return, not- withstanding his unpardonable neglect? These were the questions arising con- stantly in his mind, and as they came up the old affection was rekindled. He would not write, but he resolved that when the autumn came he would return in person to the old homestead, and if Nellie was still living and true to her al- most recreant lover, he would bring her back, to share with him a happy home in the city of his adoption.
But alas for human hopes, when built upon fickle Fortune ! When the autumn came Charles Bradley was a penniless man. The great financial crash of '67 had swept over the laud, and many a prosperous house was totally wrecked. That of Martin, Bradley & Co. was one of the victims. The property of Mr. Johnson (now broken with age and fee- ble health) , was also so involved through various sudden losses, that even he was unable to avert the disaster. The blow came suddenly, and it left Charles, like others, not only penniless, but crushed in spirit and utterly despondent.
��Ten successive winters have spread their snowy mantle over the hills and valleys of the Old Granite State ; ten summers have clothed the fields with verdure and brought the ripening har- vests, since Charles Bradley left home and friends to seek his fortune in the great untried world of business life. Au- tumn has come again and well nigh gone. The Indian summer days — the lingering glories of the year — are nearly over. The hill-sides are brown and bare. As we go up the old hill road and approach the Watson homestead, we find indica-
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