ing and greeting one of the firm of "Power & Loftus," brokers, with his most winning smile. "You are prompt."

"A very easy task, Mr. Mordaunt. With you for a general, most any stock might go at a high figure. We have disposed of seventy-five thousand at 110 for first-class paper at thirty days. That nets you $7,500. But that is not the best of it. James H. Griswold has finally offered 1092 for $200,000. Wright & Fierce, by his order, sent an agent to examine the affairs of the "Catfish Company." He has returned, and reported it as a splendid investment. Shall I close with 109? The balance of the stock Power & Loftus will take from you at par, for cash, in place of charging you commissions."

"Very well," said Mordaunt. the bargain;" and Loftus retired.

"You may close

Two hours afterwards, he again entered Mordaunt's office.

"There, Mr. Mordaunt," said Loftus, "are eight notes at thirty days for ten thousand dollars each, and one for $2,500. Total, $82,500; and there are seven checks, amounting in the aggregate to $219,500. There, sir, is 'Power & Loftus's' check for $25,000. Grand total, $327,000. Griswold took our $25,000 at 112."

Very well, Mr. Loftus; I shall have more work for you soon," replied Mordaunt.

"We shall be very happy to attend to your orders, sir. Good afternoon."

Mordaunt was now alone. He looked upon the evidences of capital which lay before him; but, not even the $27,000 profit could divert his mind from the plans yet to be laid to accomplish the ruin of Mr.

Griswold. If Mr. Griswold should throw his stock into market immediately, of course he would realize nearly, or quite the amount of his outlay.

“Give me one week the start, and if a dollar of the Catfish Railroad Company's stock or securities sells in New York, I will buy it at par," said Mordaunt, rising and opening the door which led to his principal office. "Mr. Johnston," said he to a clerk, "go and ask Mr. Hoskins to call up here."

"Yes, sir."

In ten minutes Mr. Hoskins entered Mordaunt's office. The secret grips which passed between John Halter and Mordaunt in Auburn, now passed between Hoskins and Mordaunt.

"Mr. Hoskins, have you heard of the Catfish Railroad Company?" said Mordaunt.

"Yes, sir; some of your planning, I believe." "Yes," said Mordaunt. "Well, I want the stock of that company to find 'buyers scarce.'

"I comprehend. You want to buy low," said Hoskins.

"Just so," said Mordaunt. "Can you do it?" "How soon?"

"One week at the extent."

"That's quick work," said Hoskins.

"Not for a man of your genius," replied Mordaunt. "My check for one thousand dollars is ready for you, if at the end of a week that stock is below fifty. It stands to-day at one hundred and ten at private sales."

66

The offer is very fair, and without the money you should have my services; but it will cost more than that sum. I shall be obliged to employ considerable help

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"Say no more," interrupted Mordaunt. "Name the amount at once."

"Three thousand may do. If I want more, I will call and see you."

"Send a telegram to me at Aurora, if you need more. I leave for that place to-night," said Mordaunt.

It was nearly five o'clock. His work was finished. As he handed Mr. Hoskins his check for three thousand dollars he said to himself, "That money is well invested if it brings me Bell Mortimer for a wife, even in a pecuniary point of view."

In an hour more he was en route for Aurora.

XX.

Arrival of the Liverpool Steamer-New York Firemen-Griswold's Heroism-The Catfish Railroad Stock falling-Trouble.

Ir was five o'clock, P.M., as the loud booming signal gun reverberated over the New York Bay, announcing the arrival of an "ocean steamer." In a short time the magnificent craft would moor at her pier, and send forth from her bosom the sons and daughters of every nation, to tread the soil of freedom; to mingle with the sons and daughters of the Republic; to bask in the sunshine of liberty. And the noble vessel, too, has united loving hearts. See, careful observer, is not that meeting, friend with friend, a foretaste of the joys to be felt in a more enduring world? Canst thou pen the unwritten poetry which sounds from among that happy group,

in sweetest numbers

"With a full but soft emotion,

Like the swell of summer's ocean ?"

Try it. Twill do thy heart a service, and prepare thee better to appreciate that meeting on the deck. No eyes but thine and Heaven's have looked upon those joys-the eager crowd know not the greetings of those loving hearts. Some years agone, that

happy pair were pledged to love. The bright affections of their youthful hearts then turned to gaze upon the rich beds in love's beautiful garden, bearing with healthy growth those rarest plants gathered from every clime, confidence, self-sacrifice, heroism, virtue, and giving forth as a rich and swift-pervading perfume, the faith which fathers holy thought.

"Your pass, if you please, sir," said a man at the gangway to Thomas Griswold, as he went on board the Liverpool steamer. "All right!" In a few moments Griswold and Clara Edgemonte had met after a separation of nearly one year.

We stop the pen while the first few moments of their happiness pass by.

"Where, dear Clara, are your father and mother?" "The mother is not far off," said Mrs. Edgemonte, entering the richly-furnished, so to speak, drawingroom of the steamer. "I have been looking for you, Mr. Griswold, but gave up the chase, and determined to be very dignified and let you find me."

"Here comes father," said Clara.

Griswold turned and met Mr. Edgemonte half

way.

"All well in America, Thomas? You see wife and Clara show for themselves; a voyage does them good," said Mr. Edgemonte, cordially shaking hands with Griswold.

The meeting between Clara and Griswold was a happy one. His visit at Mr. Edgemonte's residence that evening, was prolonged into the hours of night.

"Clara, I am going to propose a visit to Aurora. Mr. Melville, his sister and cousin, made a short visit there last week. They have gone for a week to