The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-01-22
THE GRAND DUKE AND JEW.

THE GRAND DUKE AND JEW.
In the early part of the year 1896, an Englisl
gentleman from Akmetcht, in Crinea, having
occasion to travel to France on business of i'm
portance, directed his course by way of War
saw, in Poland. About an hour after his arriva
in that city he quilted the tavern in which he
had been taking refreshnent, to take walk in
to the streets. While saunterng in front OF one
of the public buildings, he met with an elderly
gentleman of Il grave aspect and courteous de
meanor. After mutual exchange of civites
they got into conversation, during which, will
| the characteristic frankness Of an Engiishman
he told the stranger who he was, where from, q
whittier he was going. The other in "a most
| friendly manner, invited him to share the hos
FATALITIES of his house till such time as he found
it convenient to resume his Journey-adding thai
| it was not improbable that he might visit the
Crnea himself in the course of the year, when
perhaps he might require similar return. The
invitation was accepted, and he was conducted
TO splendid mansion, elegant without, and rich
and commodous within.
! Unhounded liberality on the part of the Pole
produced unbounded confidence on the part Of
the Engishman. The latter had small box Of
jewels of great value, which he had carried a
bout his person from the time of leaving home
! Finding this mode Of conveyance both hazard
Gus and inconvenient in town, he requested
his munifcent host to deposit it in place OF
AT the expiration of three days, he prepared toi
his departure, and on asking for his box, how
was he amazed when the old gentleman, with
Ii countenance exhibiting the utmost surprise
repIied-"What box ?"
"Why. the small box of jewels which ] gave
you to keep tor me-"
"My dear sir, you must surely be mistaken
never, really, saw nor heard of such box"
The Engiishnan was petrifed. After recov-
| ering himself little, he requested he would
call his wife, she having been present when he
received it. She came aud on being question
ed, answered in exact unison with her husband
Expressed the same surprise-and benevolent
ly endeavored 10 persuade her distracted guest
that it was mere hailucination. With mingled
feelings Of horror, astonishment and despair, he
walked out of the house 20 the tavern at which
he stopped on his arrival at Warsaw. There
he related his mysterious story, and learned that
iIlsjiniquious host was the richest lew in Poland.
He advised, withont delay, to state his case
to the Grand Duke, who fortunately happened
to be in Warsaw.
He waited OH him, and with little ceremony
was admitted to an audience. He briefly laid
down the case, and Constantine, "wth greedy
ear, devoured up his DISCOURSE" Constantine
expressed his astonishment-told him he knew
the Jew, having had extensive money transac-
lions with bm-and he had always been re-
Specialize, and of an unblemished character
However," he added, 81 will use every legiti-
mate means to unveI thesmysery." So snying
he called on some gentlemen who were to dine
with him that day, and despatched messenger
with note to the Jew, requesting his presence.
Aaron obeyed the summons.
"Have you any recollection Of having receiv-
ed box of jewels from the hand of this gen
tleman ?" said the Duke.
"Never, my lord,' was the reply.
StranSe, indeed. Are you perfectly consci-
GUS turning to the Englishman, "that you gave
the box as stated 60
Quite certain, my lord.'
Then addressing himself to the Jew
This is very singular case, and feel il my
duty to use singular means to ascertain the
truth. Is your wife at home 2"
"Yes, my lord" .... a.. .t.s..a
"Then," continued Constantine "here is a
sheet OF paper, and here is pen-proceed to
write note to your wife in such terms as shall
dictate"
Aaron lifted the pen
"Now," said the second Solomon, ''commence
by saying, All is discovered 1! There is no re-
source left but to deliver up the box. have own
ed the fact in the presence of the Grand Duke"
A tremor shook the frame ofthe lsraelite, and
the pen dropped from his fingers. But instant
ly recovering himself, he exclaimed
"That is impossible, my lord. That would
be directly duplicating myself"
Z" give you my word and HONOR said Con-
stantine, Sin presence of every one in this
room, that what you write shall never be used
as an instrument against you, farther tAan the
effect it produces on your wife. Ifyou are in
nocent, you have nothing to fear; but if you
persist in not writing it, will hold it as proof
of your guilt"
With trembling hand, the terrified Jew
wrote out the note, folded it up, and as he was
desired, sealed it with his own signet. Two Of
ficers were despatched with it to the house, and
when Sarah glanced over its contents she
swooned and sunk to The ground. The box
was delivered up, and restored to its owner
and the Jew suffered the punishment his viilany
deserved. He was sent TO Siberia.