The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1857-07-08
THE TURNPIKE BOY AND THE
BANKER.

pay away thousands of pounds hourly
He was a banker of excellent credit
there existed, perhaps, in the city Of
London, no safer concern than that o.
Messrs. Thompson & Co., but at mo
ment such as speak of, no rational re
fection was admitted, no former stabili
ty was looked to, general distrust was
felt, and every one rushed to his bank
er's to withdraw his hoard, fearful thai
the next instant would be too late, for
getting that his step was, of all others
the most likely to insure the ruin he
sought to avoid.
But to return the wealthy citizer
sat gloomily watching the outpouring Of
his gold, and with grim smile listening
to the clamorous demands on his cashier
for although he felt perfectly easy and
secure as to his ultimate resources
yet he could not repress feeling of bit
terness as he SAW constituent after con
stituent rush in and those whom he
always fondly imagined to be his dear.
est friends eagerly assisting in the run
upon his strong box.
Presently. the door opened and a
stranger was ushered in, who, after gaz-
ing moment at the bewildered banker,
cody drew chair and abruptly adj
dressed him: -
i.r e.
you will pardon me, sir, for asking
rather strange question, but I am a
plain man, and like to come to the
point.
We'll, sir ?' impatiently interrupted
the other.
Il have heard that you have run on
your bank, SIR
'Well?'
is it true p
Really, sir, I must decline replying
to your very extraordinary query. If,
however, you have any money in the
bank, you had better draw it out and so
satisfy yourself; our cashier will Instant
" payyoup and the banker rose, as a
hint for the stranger to witharaw.
'Far from it, sir, I have not six
pence in your hands.
'Then may I ask what is your bust
ness here?
4 wish to know if a small sum would
aid you at this moment p
why do you ask that question p
Because, if it would, l should gladly
pay in small Deposit The money
dealer stared. You seem surprised ::
you don't know my person or my motive.
III at once explain. Do you recollect,
some twenty years ago, when you resi-
ded at Essex?'
Perfectly
well, then, sir, perhaps 20 have not
forgotten the turnpike gate through
which you passed daily. My father kept
that gate and was very often honored
with few minutes chatwit you. One
Christmas morning my father was sick,
and 1 attended the toll bar. On that
day you passed through and I opened
the gate. Do you recollect it, sir p
Not I; my friend
mo, sir; few such men remember
their kind deeds, but those benefited by
them seldom forget them. I am per-
haps prolix listen, however, few mo.
ments and 1 have DONE
The banker, who began to be inter
ested, at once assented.
well, sir, as I said before, threw
open the gate for you, and as consid-
cred myself in duty bound, I wished you
happy Christmas. Thank you, my
lad, replied you; thank you, and the
same 10 you: here is trife to make it
so;' and you threw me seven shilling
piece. It was the first money ever
possessed, aud never shall 1 forget my
joy on receiving it, or your kind smile
when bestowing it. I long treasured
it, and as I grew up added little to it
till was able to rent toll myself
You soon after left that part of the
country, and I lost sight of you. Year
ly, however, have been gaining your
present brought good fortune with it; I
am now comparatively rich, and to you
I consider 1 owe ALL So this morning.
hearing accidentally that there was a
run on your bank, 1 drew my deposits
from my banker and have brought them
to lodge with you in case they can be of
any use; and he handed a bundle Of notes
to the agitated Thompson. 'In few
days I'll call again. and snatching up
his hat, the stranger, throwing down his
card, Immediately walked out of the
room.
Thompson opened the roll it con-
tanned E30,000l The stern. hearted
banker burst into tears. The firm did
not require this prop; but the motive
was SO noble that even a millionaire was
affected -he could not help it. The
firm is still one of the first in the city of
London.
e. Labor and prudence relieve US
from the great evils-vice, want and in
dolence.