The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1849-05-25
THE SEVEN-SHiLLING PIECE

man whom we shall call MIR Thompson was seat
ed with someting OF melancholy look in his
dreary back room, watching his clerks paving
away thousands OF pounds hourly Thompson
was banker Of excellent credit there existed
perhaps in the city OF London no safer concern
than that OF Messrs Thompson & Co. but at
moment such as speak OF, no rational reflection
was admitted; no former stability was looked to:
general dstrust was felt, and every one rushed
TO his bankers to withdraw his hoard fearful that
the next instant would be too late, forgetting en-.
tirey that this step that OF all others the most
likely to insure the ruin he sought to avoid
Butte return. The wealthy citizen sat gloomy
watching the outpouring of his gold, and with
grim smile listening to the clamorous demands on
his cashier; for although he felt perfectly easy
and secure as to the ultimate strength of his re.
sources, yet he could not repress feeling of Bit
terness as he saw constituent after constituent
rush in, and those whom he tondly imagined to be
his dearest friends, eagerly assisting in the run
upon his strong box.
Presently the door opened, and stranger was
ushered in, who, after gazing for moment at
the bewldered banker, coolly drew a chair, and
abruptly addressed him. sYou will pardon me,
sir, for asking strange question; but am plain
man. and like to come straight to the point.
well, sir " impadenty interrupted the other
q have heard that you have run on your bank
sir
sWell?'
SIS it true ?
Really, sir, l must decline replying to your
very extraordinary query. IT, however,you have
any money in the bank, you had better at once
draw 1t out, and so satisfy YOURSELF our cashier
Will instantly pay you; and the banker rose, as
hint for the stranger TO withdraw.
Ear from it sir l have not one sixpence in
your hands.
Then may ask what is your business here >
wish IN 4
at this moment?'
:. why do you ask the question:
small Deposit
The money dealer stared.
'You seem surprised; you don't know nv per.
son or my motive I'll at once explain Doyou
recollect some twenty years ago when you re-
sided in EssexP
'Periecuy.'
well, then, sir, perhaps you have not forgot
ten 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 my father was sick, and | attended the
toll bar. On thatyou passed through, and open.
ed the gate for you. Do you recoect it sir =
Not |, my friend
NO, sir; few such men remember their kind
deeds but those who are benefited by them sci.
dom forget them. am perhaps prolix; listen,
however, only lew moments, and have done
The banker began to feel Interested and at
once assented.
well sir, as | said before, | threw omen the
gate Tor you, and as | considered myself in DUTY
bound, wished you a happy Christmas. Thank
you, my lad replied you-thank you, and the
same to you; here is trihe to make 1t SO: and
you threw me seven shilling piece TWAS the
nrst money ever possessed; and never shall
forget my JOY on receiving it, or your kind smile
III Destowlng It, l long treasured it, and as
grew up, added little toit, till was able to rent
toii myself. You left that part OF the country.
and lost sight OF you. Yearly however, / have
oeen getting on; your present brought good for.
tune with II; am now comparatively rich. and
oyou consider | owe all. So this morning hear.
Ing accidenty that there was a run on yonr bank
have collected all my capital, and have brougbt
IL 10 lodge with you, in it can be OF any use.
mere 1t is; and he handed a bundle of bank notes
TO the agitated Thompson. In few davs Pm
call again. and snatching up his hat, the strang
er, throwing down his card walked out Of the
room. " ''S
thompson undid the roll; it contained f30 OOO
The stern hearted banker--for all bankers mnst
De stern-burst into tears The firm did not re.
qulre THIS prop; but the motive was so noble. that
even millionaire sobbed--he could not helm il
Inc hrm is still one of the first in London.
Inc t3o 900 OF the turnpike boy is now grown
into some G20O,OO0. Fortune has we'll disnosed
OF her gifts.
HE FIRST WEDDING. Major Noah thuo