Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-12-18
THE GRAND DUKE AND THE JEW.
cuApTrn FnoM poIteu IIFE

CHAPTER FROM POLISH LIFE.
The following singular story, which was current s
among the English residents IN ST. Petersburg, at
the coronation OF the present Emperor of Russia,
has been narrated to us by person newly arrived
from that part of the continent:
In the early part of the year 1926, an English
gentleman, from Akmetch in the Chrimea, having
occasion to travel to France on business of inpor-
lance, directed his course by way Of Warsaw, in
Poland. About hour after his arrival in that
city, he quilted the tavern in which he had been
taking refreshment, to take walk through the
streets While sauntering in front of one of the
public buildings, he met an elderly gentleman Of a
grave aspect and courteous demcanor. After mu-
tual change of civilities, they got into converse
tion during which, with the characteristic frankness
Of an Englishman, he told the stranger who he was,
where from, and whittier he was going. The 9TH |
or In the most friendly manner, invited him to share
the hospitaitles of his house till such time as he
found 1t convenient TO resume his journcy-adding
with a smile, that 1t rot improbable that he
might visit the Chrimea himself in the course of
that year, when, perhaps, he might require smi-
lar return the invitation was accepted, and he was
conducted to a splendid mansion, elegant without
and commodlous within.
! Unbounded berality on the part of the Pole,
produced unbounded confidence on the part OF the
Englishman. The latter had small box of jew
els of great value, which he had carried about his
person from the time of his leaving home-fnding
convenient in large town, he requested his mu-
niicent host to deposit it in place of security till
he should be ready to 90 away. At the expiration
of three days he prepared for his departure, and in
asking for his box, how was he amazed when the
old gentleman, with countenance exhibiting the
utmost surprise, replied,
"What box?"
"Why the small box of Jewels which gave
you to k eep for me-"
"My dear sir, you must surely be mistaken
never, really, saw or heard of such a box"
The Englishman was petrified After recover
ing himself little, he requested he should call his
wife, she having been present when he received it.
She came, and on being questioned answered in
exact unison with her husband-she expressed the
same surprse-and benevoently endeavored to
persuade her distracted guest that it was mere
hallucnation With mingled feelings of horror, as
constituent and despair, he walked out of the house
and went to the tavern at which he had put up on
his arrival in Warsaw There he related his mys-
terous history, and learned that his inlqutous host
was the richest Jew in Poland. IIo was advised
without delay, to state the case to the grand Duke
who fortunately happened at that time to be in
Warsaw
He accordingly waited upon him, and with little
ceremony was admitted TO an audience. He brief
ly laid down his case, and Constantine with 0
greedy devoured up his DISCOURSE" Con
stantine expressed his astonshment--tod him he
knew the Jew, having had extensive money trans
actions with him--that he had always been respect
able and of an unbiemshed character. "Howev
ler,' he added, " will use every legitimate means
to unva the mystery" So saying he called oil
on some gentlemen who to dine with him tina
day, and dispatched messenger with note to tn,
Jew, requesting his presence. Aaron obeyed thu
Summons.
:" Have you no recollection of having received
box of jewels, from the hand Of this gentleman !?
said the Duke.
Never NV lord 1yos tho ren1v
Strange, indeed. Are you perfectly conscious,
turning to the Englishman " that you gave the DO
as stated ~
k "Quite certain, my lord"
. Then addressing himself to the Jew
r "This is very singular case, and feel it n,
| duty to use singular to ascertain the truth
= is your wife at home:"
= ayes, my lord"
: "Then," continued Constantine, "there is
t. sheet of paper, and here is pen proceed to writ
y note to your wife in such terms as shall die
d tate"
Aaron lifted the pen:
J., "Now," said the second Solomon, "commenc
i by saying" All is discovered There is no r,
scource left but to deliver up the box. have owl
It ed the fact in the presence of the grand Duke"
|, A tremor shook the frame of the Israelite, ar
1t the pen dropped from his fingers. But Instant
= recovering HIMSELF he exclaimedG
ii "That is impossible, my lord. That would
directly duplicating myself"
al give you my word and honor" said Consta
line, " in presence of every one in the room, tn
what You write shall never be used as an instr
ment against you, farther than the effect it produ
"a es on your wife. If you are innocent you ha
= nothing to fear-but if you persist in not writil
it, hold it proof Of your guilt"
. With a trembling hand the terrified Jew wro
q out the note folded it up, and as he desire
~ sealed it with his own signet. Two officers we
III dispatched with it TO his house, and when Sar
W glanced at It's contents, she swooned and sunk
oe the ground. The box delivered up and rest,
VI ed to its owner-and the Jew suffered the punis
i ment his villainy deserved. He was sent to Sit
~; ria.