Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1857-03-13

given in the advertisement, together with
the name ofthe loser, and where he might
be found.
"A pretty good morning'swork,' remark
ed George. as with apparent GOODNESS he re-
took the paper. You will claim the re-
ward, Of course
I hardly think it would be right for me
to do so. Ihavo been to no expense. am
not in pressing need of money, and after
all shall simply do my duty in returning
it. Should, however. the man press it
upon me, Ishall, perhaps, take it and de-
vote is to cha-itable purposes
You're strange fellow, James. I
hardly think you will ever realize your
early dream of wealth if you are going to
let money slip through your fingers in this
way
We'll, if can not gain wealth accor-
ding to my ideas Of honesty, l hope l
shall, at least, be content to remain poor.
can not violate my conscience
George left. and as there was little do
ing in the store James took his hat and
walked round to tho number specified in
the advertisement. He was ushcred into
a snug, comfortable private library or
study-room, and in n few moments n
young man Of some twenty-eight or thir-
ty entered. James rose at his entrance,
and asked If he had the pleasure of ad-
dressing Mr. W.. mentioning the name
signed to the advertisement. He was an
swered in the affirmative. Producing q
paper containing the advertisement, he in
quired il Mr.. w. was tho author Of that,
and the loser Of the pocket-book This
also was answered in the affirmative, and
with much apparent interest Mr.. w. ask
ed If the book had been SO soon found.
Iam very happy" replied James, with
real pleasure lighting up his noble fea-
lures, "to be able to return to You your
money, safe as when you unfortunately,
lost IT,"
"Indeed / had not dared to hope for
this speedy response to my public an
nouncement Of my loss, and shall feel
myself under lasting obligations to you;
besides experiencing q real pleasure in
paying you the reward which | offered"
"Thank you, sir" replied james, "you
will excuse me from accepting of your
liberality. Ihave simply done my duty,
and have been to no expense whatever
But, indeed, shall insist npon your
receiving it. Surely young man with
such noble impulses, aud so firmly fixed in
principles Of right can find good use for
five hundred dollars, besides, you richly
deserve 1t. You surely will not refuse
it,
IL will accept II, sir, but not for my
personal use. l shall devote it entirely to
benevolent purposes
Your decision is but another evidence
OF your noble uprightness,' replied the
man as he opened the book and oxamin-
cd its contents.
The money was counted, all was pro-
nounced right. and five hundred dollar
bill was handed to James, which hc pla-
cod in his wallet and left.
kfew days subsequently James got his |
bill exchanged at the bank for smaller
ones, which would be moro convenient
for charitable uses How deep and real
was his ispleasure as he sought among the
poor and destitute for virtuous objects for
his charity! Many heart was gladden.
ed and many mother wept the thanks
she could not speak for timely aid to her
self and her famishing little ones.
About month after this. while looking
over the ncws in one Of the dailies, par
agraph caught his eye that caused him to
turn pale with agitation. This was moth
ing less than announcement Of loss.
some four weeks previous, Of twenty
thousand dollars, by man who left In the
steamer for Europe without discovering
his loss Then followed clear and min.
ute description Of tho pockct-bools, togc,h-
or with tho number and charter Of each
bill, and also tho private mark before al
luded to. The truth flashed upon tho
mind Of James-ho had been dupcd.-
Some scoundrcl had evidently cheated
him. But how? Where could no have
obtained tho specific information necessary
to writo such perfect advertisement ?
Gould Il have been through tho instru-
mentality Of George Was IL a plot be-
tween him and somc base fellow to get
possession Of tho money? This James
did not want TO believe. And oven should
he admit this as probable or possible, what
evidence had hc that such was tho fact?
About noon, the following day, Just as
james was leaving tho store, gentleman
entered and inquired for him. James
stepped forward, when, to the astonish-
ment OF oil, tho man arrested him rs his
prisoner What could II mean ? The
officer did not choose to answer any ques-
tons, and James loft IN hscompimy for
tho prison.
a few moments only bad no been there
before Mr.. kelsey entered.
How Is this. Jamcs?' asked tho neita-
ted nan. why arc you here a prisoner?
Have you been guilty of crimo p
No, SIR he calmly answered, 4 am in
noccnt.' and then hc stated tho clrcrm.
stances Of his finding the money. and Of
his returning Il, as he supposed to It's law
ful owner. Mr.. Kelsey heard him through,
shook bis head, and looked troubled. II
was bad case. No individual had been
witness to tho transaction except George.
and he was already summoned 10y the
prosecution.