Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1854-11-04
CHE -polpnesiail.
The Turnpike Boy and the Banker.


1t was during panic, some years since, that
gentleman whom we shall now call Mr.. Thomp-
son, was seated, with something of melancholy
look, in his dreary back room, watching his clerks
paying away thousands of pounds hourly. Thomp-
son banker of excellent credit; there existed
perhaps in the city of London, no safer concern
than that of Messrs Thompson & Co., bnt at
moment such as | speak of, no rational reflection
was admitted, no former stability was looked to !;
a general distrust was felt, and every one rushed
to his bankers to withdraw his hoard fearful that
| the next moment would be too late, forgetting
entirely that this step was, of all Others the most
likely to insure the ruin he sought to avoid.
| But to return. The wealthy citizen sat gloomi-
| ly watching the outpouring of his gold, and with
a 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
Iterness, as he saw constituent after constituent
rush n and those whom he always imagined 10 be
his dearest friends, eagerly assisting in the run
upon his strong box.
| Presently the door was opened, and stranger
was ushered in who after gazing for moment
at the bewildered banker, cooy drew up chair,
and abruptly addressed him.
"You will pardon me, sir, for asking rather a
strange question; but am plain man, and like to
come straight to the point"
60 Well, sir" impatiently interrupted the other
81 have heard that you have run on your bank,
sir"
"Wenm
"Is it true 2"
"Really, sir, must decline replying to your ex-
traordnary 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 in
starty pay you - and the banker rose, as a hint
for the stranger to withdraw.
Far from it sir (; have not a sxpence in your
hands"
"Then, may ask you what is your business
here:"
a. wish to know if 4 small sum would aid you at
this moment.:'
"Why do you ask that question:"
Because, fit would, should gladly pay in
small deposit"
The money deale: started.
"You seem surprised you don't know my per-
son or my motive. I'll at once explain. DO you
recolect some twenty years ago, when you resided
in Essex!''
"Perfecty"
Dwell, then, sir, perhaps you have not forgot
ten the turnpike gate through which you passed
daily? My father kept that gate, and very
often honored with 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. Do you recollcct
it sir :"
Not l, my friend"
NO, sir, lew SuCn men IeulelHotI lheiI hlHu
deeds but those benefited by them seldom forget
them. am perfectly prOlix; listen, however, only
few moments, and have done"
The banker, who began to feel interested, at
once assented.
Well, sir, as | said before, | threw open the
gate for you, and as considered myself In duty
bound, wished you happy Christmas. Thank
YOU, my lad replied you, thank yOu,s and the
same to you here is a trife to make It so;' and
YOU threw me a seven-shilling piece. 1t was the
first money | ever possessed, and never shall
forget my Joy on receiving It, or yoHr KIND smile
on bestowing it. long treasured 1t, and as grew
up. added little to it, till was able TO rent
toll myself Yod soon after left that part of the
country, and lost sight of you. Yearly, how
ever, have been gaining on; your present brought
good fortune with it; | am now comparatively
rich, and to YOU I consider | owe all. So, this
morning. hearing accidentally that there was
run on your bank, / collected all my capital, and
have brought it to lodge with you, III case II can
be of any use here 1t is, sr,-here 1t is ,, and he
handed bundle of bank-notes to the agltated
Thompson. d" III few days u call again; and
snatching up his hat, the stranger throwing down
his card, Immediately walked out of the room.
Thompson opened the roll; it contained E3O,-
600! 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 millionaire sobbed-he could not help
it, The firm is still one of the first in the city
of London.
The 100000 of the turnpike boy is now grown
into some G200OOO. Fortune has well disposed
of her gifts.