Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1851-07-31

roMArcn IN EsAL LIFE.


The following singular story, which
,1aT current among the English resi-
dents At St Petersburg at the corona
ffon of the present Emperor oi Rus
sia. has been narrated 10 US by per-
son newly arrived from that part oil
the continent. -
In the early part Of the year 1926,
an English gentleman, frcm Akmetch
in the Crimea, having occasion to
travel 10 France on business OF I'M
portance, directed bis course by way
Of Warsaw in Poland. About an
hour after bis arrival in that city, he
quilted the tavern in which he had
been taking refreshments, TO take a
walk through the streets. While
sauntering in front Of one OF the pub
Ilc buildings, he met an elderly gen.
tIeman of a grave aspect and c9ur.
teous demeanor. After mutual ex-
change Of ciyiIities, they got into
conversation, during which, with the
characteristic frankness of an En-
glishman, he told the stranger who
he was, where from, and whittier he
was going. The other, in the most
friendly manner, invited him to
share the hospitalities OF his house,
till such time as he found it conve-
nisnt to resume his journey-adding,
with smile, that il was not improb-
able that he might require a similar
return the invitation was accepted
and he was canducted TO a splendid
mansion, elegant without and CON-
modious within. .
Unbounded liberaIity on the part
Of the Pole, produced unbounded
confidence on The par; of the English
man. The slatsr had a small box Of
jewels oi great value, which he had
carried about his person from The
Tins of his leaving home-fnding
that mode Of conveyance both haz-
ar6ous and inconvenient in a town,
he requested his muniicent host TO
depositit in a place of security till
he should be ready TO 90 away. AT
the expiration of three days, he pre-
pared for his departure, and in ask
ing for his box, how was he amazed
when the old gentleman, with a
countenance exhibiting the utmost
surprise, replied:
sWhat boxf
'Why the small box Of Jewels
which | gave 10 you TO keep for meT
"My dear sir, you must surely be
mistaken; | never, really, saw or
heard Of such boxl''
The Englishman was petrifed.
After recovering himself little, he
requested he would call his wife, she
having been present when he received
it. She came, and on being ques-
toned, answered in exact unison
with her husband, expressed the me
surprise, ,and benevolently endeavored
to persuade her distracted guest that
II was a mere haIlucinaiion. With
mingled feelings OF horror, astonish-
ment and despair, he walked out OF
The house and went TO the tavern al
which he had put up on his arrival
at Warsaw. There he related his
mysterious story, and learned that bis
iniquitous host was the richest Jew in
Poland. He was advised without de-
lay, TO state the case to the Grand
Duke, who fortunately happened al
that time to be in Warsaw.
He accordingly waited on him, and
with little ceremony was admitted to
an audience. He briefly laid down
his case, and Constantine, with a
greedy ear devoured up his discourse.
Constantine expressed his astonish-
ment-told him he knew the Jew,
having had extensive money transac-
tions with him--that he had always
been respectable, and Of unblemished
character. However" he added, 81
viii use every legitimate means to
unveil the mystery" So saying, he
called on some gentlemen who were
TO dine with him that day, and dis
patched messenger with a note TO
the Jew, requesting his presence.
Aaron obeyed his summons.
Have you no recollection Of ha-
wing received box Of jewels from
the hand Of this gentlemanr said the
Duke.
"Never. my lord," was the reply.
"Strange, indeed. Are you per-
fectIy conscious" turning to the En-
glishman, ".hai you gave the box as
statedl'
"Qnite 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 home7"
"Yes, my lord"
"Then," continued Constantine,
"there is a sheet of paper, and here is
pen; proceed TO write a note 10
your wife in such terms as ] shall
dictate"
Aaron liIled the pen