The Continental Monthly, Vol. III, No. V, May, 1863, page 29 by Various Authors
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than I can allow you.'
'Then it's a trade?' asked Cragin.
'Yes,' said Frank.
'Well, old gentleman, what do you say--will you move the old stool?' said Cragin, addressing David.
'Yes; I like Frank too well to stay with even his father.'
In the gleeful mood which had taken possession of the old man, the words slipped from his tongue before he was aware of it. He would have recalled them on the instant, but it was too late. Cragin caught them, and exclaimed:
'His father! Well, that explains some riddles. D--d if I won't call the new firm Hallet, Cragin & Co. I've got him all around--ha! ha!'
Frank seemed thunderstruck. Soon he plied me with questions.
'I can say nothing; I gave my word I would not. David has betrayed it; let him explain, if he pleases.'
The old bookkeeper then told the young man his history, revealing everything but the degradation of his poor mother. Frank walked the room, struggling with contending emotions. When David concluded, he put his hand in mine, and spoke a few low words. His voice sounded like his mother's. It was again her blessing that I heard.
* * * * *
Two weeks afterward, the old sign came down from the old warehouse--came down, after hanging there three quarters of a century, and in its place went up a black board, on which, emblazoned in glaring gilt letters, were the two words,
'JOHN HALLET.'
On the same day, the busy crowd passing up old Long Wharf might have seen, over a doorway not far distant, a plainer sign. It read:
CHAPTER XXIII.
Kate heard frequently from Selma within the first two months after her departure, but then her letters suddenly ceased. Her last one expressed the intention of returning to the North during the following week. We looked for her, but she did not come. Week after week went by, and still she did not come. Kate wrote, inquir