Monongalia mirror. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1855, 1854-03-04
The Turnpike Boy and the Banker.

Il was during panic some years
since that gentleman, whom we shall
now call Mr.. Thompson, was seated
with something Of a melancholy look
in his back room, watching his clerk
paying away thousands of pounds hour:
iy. Mr.. Thompson was banker OF
excellent credit; there existed perhaps
in the city of London no safer concern
than that Of Messrs. Thompson q Co.,
but at moment such as lspeak Of no
rational reflection was admitted, no for
mer stability was looked to; general
distrlst was felt, and every one rushed
to his bank to withdraw his hoard, fear
full that the next instant would be too
late, forgetting entirely that this step
was of all others, the most likely to in.
sure the ruin he sought to avoid.
But to return. The wealthy citizen
sat gloomily, watching the outpouring
Of his, gold, and with grim smile Listen
cd to clamorous demands on his cashier;
for although ho felt perfectly easy and
secure as to the ultimate strength OF his
resources, yet he could not repress a
feeling Of bitterness as he saw constlt;-
uent after constituent rush in, and those
whom he always fondly imagined to be
his dearest friends, eagerly assisted in
the run upon his strong box. Iut
Presently the door was opened, and
stranger ushered in, who after gazing
moment at the bewildered banker
coolly drew a chair, and abruptly ad-
dressed him. ..aew f
"You will pardon me, sir, for asking
rather a strange question; but l am a
plain man and like to come straight to
the point" Nd !, .as.3o ,
"Well sir 2" impatiently interrupted
the other.
"I have heard that you have a run on
your bank, sir" a" ~
"Well!" '-t57 ":
"Is it true 7"
f"Really. sir, I must decline replying
to your very extraordinary query. II,
however, you have any money in this
bank you had better at once draw it out,
and SO satisfy yourself; our cashier will
instantly pay you;" and the banker
rose, as a hint for the stranger to with
draw. itt'g 4si ~
Tar from it, sil, 1 have not six
pence in your hands,
4 Then may I ask you what is your
business here2" .
III wish to know if small sum would
aid you at this momen, 3" ~. s...
"Why do you ask that question g
"Because if it would, | should gladly
pay in deposit" .,...
The money dealer started. j..
"You seem surprised, you don't know
my person or my motive. I'll at once
explain. Do you recollect some twen-
ty years ago, when you resided in Es-
sex" ......
"Perfectly.'
"Well then. sir, perhaps you have
not forgotten the turnpike gate through
which you passed daily? My father
kept that gate and was very often hon.
ored with few minutes chat with you.
Ono Christmas morning my father was
sick, and attended the toll-bar. On
that day you passed through and | open.
ed the gate. Do you recollect it, sir?"
"Not ], my friend"
"No, sir, few such men remember
their kind deeds, but those benefited
by them seldom forget them, I am per-
haps prolix; listen, however only a few
moments and shall have done"
The banker, who began to feel inter-
ested, at once asssnted.
"Well sir, as I said before, I threw
open the gate for you, and as | consid.
cred myself in duty bound, | wished
you happy Christmas. Thank you,
my lad" replied you" thank you, and
the same to you; here is a trlhe to make (;
it so; y and you threw me a seven shil.
ling piece. 1t was the first money |
ever possessed, and never shall ] forget
my Joy on receiving it, or your kind
smile when bestowing it. I long treas
ured it. and as | grew up added a little
to it, till I was able to rent a toll my
self. You soon after left that part of
tho country and | lost sight Of you
Yearly, however, | have been gaining;
your present brought good fortune; |
am now comparatively rich, and to you
consider owe all. So this morning,
hearing accidentally that there was a
run on your bank, l collected all my
capital and have brought it to lodge with
you, in case it can be Of any use; here
it is - and he handed q bundle of bank
notes to the agitated Thompson. ain
few days | will call again;' and
snatching Up his hat, the stranger throw:
ing down his card, Immediately walked
out Of the room.
Thompson opened the roll; il con-
tained ESQ, 900! The stern banker