Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-08-03
THE SEVEN SHILLING PIECE.
AN ANEcDoTE.

H.s6 Lrz5
s5 @ AN ANEcDoTE. -ss
/ II was during the panic of 1926 that gem
tleman, whom we shall call Mr.. Thompson,
was seated with something of melancholy
look in bis dreary back room, watching his
clerks paying away thousands of pounds hour
w. Thompson was a banker of excellent cred
it there existed perhaps, IN the city of Lon
don, no safer concern than that OF MessFs
Thompson & Co.; but at a moment such as |
speak of, no rational reflection was admitted.
no former stability was looked to; general
distrust was felt, and every one rushed to his
banker to withdraw his hoard, fearful that the
next instant would be too late, forgetting en-
tirely that this step was that of all others the
most likely 10 insure the ruin he sought TO a.
void. -aF
But to return. The wealthy citizen sat
gloomily watching the outpouring of his gold.
with grim smile listening TO the cIamorous
demands on his cashier, for although he felt
perfectly easy and secure as 10 the ultimate
strength of his resources, yet he could not re-
press feeling of bitterness as be saw constit-
uent after constituent rush in. and those whom
he fondly imagined to be his dearest friends,
eagerly assisting in the run upon his strong
box.
Presently the door openel, and stranger
was usherPd in, who, after gazing for mo-
ment at the bewildered banker, cody drew a
chair and addressed him. You will pardon
me, sir, for asking strange question; but /
am plain man, and like 10 come straight to
the point"
Well, sir"' impatiently demanded the
other.
81 have heard that you have run on your
bank, sirr'
"Well2' - ~
SIT is true?' -
Really, sir, must decline replying 10
your very extraordinary query. IF, howev
er, you have any money in The bank, you had
better at once draw il out, and so satisfy your
SELF our cashier will Instantly pay you p and
the banker rose, as hint for The stranger 10
withdraw.
sc Far from it, sir: have not one sixpence
in your hands.''
''Then may ask what is your business
here?" t@y.
81 wished TO know if a small sum would
aid on at this moment %
Why do you ask the question %
Because if it would, should gladly pay
in small deposit"
The money dealer stared.
"You seem surprised: you don't know my
person or my motive I'll at once explain
Do you recoIlect some twenty years ago when
you resided in Essex ~
PerfectIy.''
swell, then, sir, perhaps you have not for
gotten The turnpike gate through which You
passed daily? My father kept that gate, and
was often honored by few minutes chat
with you. One christmas morning my father
was sick, and attended the toll bar. On that
day you passed through, and opened the
gate for you. Do you recolleet it, sir? %
mot [, my friend.''
"No, sir; few such men remember their
kind deeds, but those who are benefited by
| them seldom forget them. am perhaps pro
lix; listen, however, only a few moments. and
have done"
The banker began to feel interested, and al
once assented.
Well, sir, as said before, threw open
the gate for you, and as considered myself
in duty bound, | wished yon happy christ
mas. Thank you, my lad replied you-
thank you: and the same to YOU; here is a
trif1e to make it so;' and you threw me seven
shilling piece. 1t was the first money ever
possessed; and never shall forget my Joy on
receiving it, or your kind smile in bestowing
it. long treasured it, and as | grew up, add
ed little to it, till ! was able to rent a toll
myself. You left that part of the country
and lost sight of you. Yearly, however,
have been getting on your present brought
| good fortune with it; am now comparative
Iy rich. and 10 you consider owe ALL Sc
This morning hearing accidently that there was
a run on your bank, collected all my capita!
and have broughtit in TO lodge with you. il
case it can be of any use; here it isl and hi
handed bundle of bank notes 10 the agitate(
Thompson :" In few days FL come again :
and snatching up his hat, the stranger throw
ing down his card, walked out of the room
Thompson undid the roll, it contained g3o,
900. The stern hearted banker-for all bank
ers must be stern-bust into tears The firm
did not require this prop; but the motive wa
so noble, that even millionaire sobbed-ht
could not ho'd it. The firm is still one of th,
first in London
The $780, 900 of the turnpike boy is nov
grown into some 100000 Fortune has wei
disposed of her gifts.