Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-07-09
Gbpite Mlisttuarrp,
The Turnpike Boy and the Banker.

1t was during the panic in England, some
years since. that gentleman by the name
Of Thoapson, was seated with something
of melancholy in his dresry back room
watching his clerk paying away thousands
of pounds hourly, He was banker of ex-
cellent credit: there existed, eihaps, in the
city of London, no safer concern than that
of Merssrs. Thompson & Co., but at mo-
meut such as speak of, no rational reaec-
tion was admitted. no former stability was
looked to, a general distrust vas felt, and
every one rushed to his bankers to with
draw his hoard fearful that the next instant
would be to late, forgetting that his step, of
oil others, the most likely to ensure the ruin
he sought to avoid.
But to return, the wealthy citizen sat
gIoomily watching the outpoaring of his
gold, and with grim smile listening,to the
clamours demands on his cashier, fol. although h
he felt perfectly casey and secure as to the
ultimate of his resources, yet he could not
repress feeling of bitterness as he saw con-
stituent after constituent rush in and those
whom be always fondly imagined to be his
dearest friends eagerly assisting in the run
upon his strong box.
Presidently the door opened and a
stranger was urshered in who, after gazing
q moment at the bewidered banker, cody
drew chair and abruptly addressed him.
you will pardon me, sir, for asking rath-
or q strange question, but ! am plain man
and like to come to the point
well, sirv impatiently interrupted the
other.
4 have heard that you have run on your
bank, SIR
sWelIl'
SIS it true!' So
Really, sir, 4 must decline replying tc
your very extraordinary querry. II, howev'
er,you have any money in the bank, you
had better at once draw it out and so safes
fy yourself; cur cashier will instantly pay
you,' and the banker rpse, as hint for the
stranger to Withdraw.
Far from il, sir; have not 3 six pence
in your hands,
ffhen may ask what is your business
here!'
al wish to know if small sum would sit
you ut this moment!"
why do you ask that question:"
aBecause if it would, should gladly pay
In smalldeposit. The money deale
started. You seem surprised; you dom
know my person or my motive. I'll a
once explain. Do you reccolect, some TWEEN
tyyears age, when you resided at Essex!'
aPerfsctly."
.weIl, then, sir; perhaps you have no
forgotten the turnpike gate through which
You passed daily. Ny father kept that gat
and wac often honored with q few minute
chat with you. One Christmas morning
Inv fsthe. was sick, and opened the gate
Do you reccslect it siri'
"NotI, my friend
aNo sir, few such men remember thei
kind deeds, but those benefited by ther
seldom forget them. l am perhaps proliz
listsn, however, a few moments and hsv
DONE"
The banker, who began to feel interested
ut once assented.
"wsIr sir, as said before, threw ope
she gate for you, and as considered myse
IN dsty bound, I wished you happy Christ
mas. "Thank you, my lad, replied yor
~thank you, and the same to you: here is
eriAe TO mske 1t 30; and you threw me
seven shiskng piece. 1t was the first NOR
cyl ever possessed. and never shall l forge
my joy on receiving it or your kind smile |
bestoving it,. long treasured it, and as
srev up added q listle to it till was able
rent toll myself. Esu soon after left ths
part of the country, and l lost sight OF yo'
Yearly, however, have been gaining; yor
? present brought good fortune with it; al
now cempsrssivsly r!ch, and to you l cor
slider owe all. 30, tins morning, hearin
accidently that there was run on vol
bsnt, drew mysdsposits from my bsnks