And, and the worst of it is--and that is what has caused all the trouble--the great Kidd Discovery Company is dead! That's where it is!" "Dead, my dear, dead!" reiterated the astonished woman.

"We call it gone up in Wall Street--" "Couldn't you contrive some way, my dear, to lighten the disgrace ?" "Wall Street is in a state of excitement, the sheriff is in possession of everything, and beggary stares me in the face--" This conversation was interrupted by loud ringing of the hall bell, and in another minute Bowles opened the parlor door and the sheriff and one of his deputies entered, and commenced their business.

"Beg your pardon," said the sheriff, bowing politely, while his deputy deliberately took a seat and began a survey of everything within sight.
"You must excuse any lack of ceremony on our part.

It is a part of our duty to do these things, and we try to relieve them as much as possible of their painful features." Then taking Chapman aside, he suggested that the ladies better be got up stairs.

And while this was being done the deputy entered the back parlor, and placing his hat on the pier table, began taking an inventory of all the furniture.
"You will find my deputy a gentleman," said the sheriff, addressing Chapman when the ladies had left the parlor, "and if not such a companion as you would prefer, I am compelled to leave him with you, and hope your esteem for him will improve on acquaintance.