Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1850-06-29
NO.. Z
THE SEVEN SHILLING PIECE.

/
gentleman whom we shall call MIR. Thomp-
son, was seated with something of melan-
choiy look IN his dreary back-room, watching
his clerks pay away thousands of pounds
hourly. Thompson was banker of excel
lent credit there existed perhaps, in the
city OF London no safer concern than that of
Messrs. Thompson s. Co.; but at the mo-
ment such as speak of, no rational reflec-
t'on was admitted, no former stability was
looked to; general distrust was felt, and
every one rushed to his bankers to withdraw
his hoard, fearing that the next instant would
be too late, forgetting entirely that this step
was that of all others most likely to insure
the ruin he sought to avoid
But to return. The wealthy citizen sat
gloomily watching the out-pouring OF his gold
ana with grim smile listening to the clam
orous demands on his cashier for although
he felt perfectly easy and secure as to the
ultimate strength of his resources, yet he
could moi suppress feeling of bitterness as
ne saw constituent 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 opened, and stranger
was ushered IN, who after gazing moment
at the bewildered banker, cooly drew q
chair, and abruptly addressed him:
" You will pardon me, sir, for asking a
strange question, but am plain man, and
like to come straight 10 the point
"Well SIR impatiently interrupted the
other.
"I have heard that you have run on
your bank 20
Well"
is it true 20
Really, sir, l must decline replying to
your extraordinary query. If however, you .
have any money in the bank, you had better
at once draw it out, and so satisfy yourself;
our cashier will instantly pay you''
The banker rose as hint to the stranger
to withdraw.
g Far from it, have not one sixpence in
your hand''
Then, sir, may ask what is your busi-
ness ?"
! &c wish to know if small sum would aid
you at this moment"
."Why do you ask ~
Because if it would would 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 ex-
plain. Do you recolect some twenty years
ago when you resided in Essex ''
Perfectly"
''Well 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 with few minutes talk
with you. One Christmas morning my faith
er was sick, and attended the toll bar. On
that day you passed through, and I opened
the gate for you. Do you recollect it sir :"
:" Not ], my friend 10
q" No sir few such men remember their
kind deed, but those who are benefited by
them, seldom forget them. | am perhaps
prolix listen, however, few minutes and
have done"
The banker began to feel interested, und
at once assen,ed."
"Well, sir, as | said before, threw open
the gate for you as considered myself in du-
ty bound, and wished you happy Christ
nas. Thank you my lad, replied you, thank
you And the same TO you here is trihe
TO make it SO and you threw me seven
piece II was the first money ever
possessed, and never shall forget my Joy ot
receiving it, nor your kind smile at bestowing
it. / long treasured it, and as grew up
added little 10 it, till / was able to rent a
toll myself You left that part of the coun-
try, and lost sight of you. Yearly, however,
have been getting on; your present brought
good fortune with it; am now comparative
ly rich, and to you consider that / owe ALL
So this morning, hearing accidentally that
there was run on your bank, collected all
my capital, and brought it to lodge with you.
in case it can be of any use here it is ~
and he handed bundle of bank notes to the
agitated Thompson In few days III call
az ain and snatching up his hat, the stran-
ger, throwing down his card, walked out of
the room.
Thompson uDdid the roll !; it contained
thirty thousand pounds. The stern-hearted
banker-for all bankers must be stern-burst
into tears. The firm did not require this prop;
but the motive was so noble that even mill
ionare sobbed-he could not help it. The
firm is still one of the first in London.
The f3O, 900 pounds Of the turnpike boy
is now grown into some f20O, ,0OO Fortune
has well disposed Of her gifts.
sDF Soon after the Copernican system Of