The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-09-28
for tie Donlt Girtlt.
Vicissi5udes Of a Millionaire.
Translated for the Boston Gazette.


At the time of our story there was an auc-
ton store near the Bourse. 80
The Viscount Robert N. de P was
twenty-five years of age, had an income of
25 600 livres, with good looks an illustrious
name, and could have made a very brilliant
marriage He ought to have been the happi-
est man in the world. He only had one re.
gret. He was unhappy at his happiness
The constant tranquility of life fatigued him.
He needed a little bitter in his cup Of perpet-
ual sweets But heaven refused to grant it to
him. He resolved to fly to other lands, there
to seek the fatigues the sufferings, the novel 4
ties he lacked. 49, -.
So, five years ago, he entered by chance an
auction room, just as they were putting up
capital writing desk.
He was about to travel. and it was just
what he needed; SO he bought it for three
franks. So
1t probably cost more than ten time that
sum. In the interior were compartments for
everything, and the plate bore the name of
Lord N. one of the richest peers of Eng
land. He was enchanted with his purchase,
and carried it home in triumph. Some days
after he sat ont for Spain; as he went from
Madrid to Cadiz he was stopped by thieves,
who completely despoiled him. The only
thing he missed was his desk. He prayed
them to return it. They refused, but their
chief, Don Jose Maria, promised to send it
after him to Cadiz on receipt of ransom.
Robert promised 200 reals, and gave the ad-
dress of The hotel where he meant to stop at
Cadiz. He sent the money, and got his desk.
In America in the wilds of Mexico, his
desk was carried off by Mexicans. He tho't
/. it lost Fou. months afterwards he found it
in a shop in Vera Cruz, and paid 500 francs
for it.
In 1852, having returned to France, he
thought of going to Baden. He passed the
summer there, and went to Paris, visiting Co.
Iogne and AK la.Chapelle on the way. 30
Arrived at the frontier which separates
France from Belgium, he fell into the hands of
the custom house officers. Some days before
some sklllfuI fellows had defrauded the Gus.
toms to a considerable amount, consequently
, the officers were on their guafd. Ez9ssargg
The search was long and the Viseount be-
came furious.
What do you fearf' he asked sngrily.
= 'Oh, sir, objects of great value can be con-
cealed in small space
Have the air Of a smuggler?'
mo, but there are ambassadors who snug.
. gle without scruple.'
4 The search continued, and the Viscount was
!. astonished TO see the officers open drawers il
t. his desk of the existence of which he was ig
: norant At last, full of impatience. he wish
~ ed to reclaim It. re gI1aIogG6 Tedc599
,r Now, that you have seen all, said he, lei
N US not prolong this unpleasant investigation.
,e What do you say, sirs' i7Aia4 1ii5H5I
3 l say that you have seen all. ard know tha
in l have nothing contrabrand.' s=H esfz d
9. Your GOODNESS, sir, makes me pity you.-
: Have you nothing to bring forth! If you d
> so you will be free by paying the dues; if no
H. and l find anything, there will be a con6sca
i tion and fine.' ;1oI lIlJslo7 zn4 saHaE
ne But you have seen ALL 20 sserr e,sr
Perhaps tfs7 ri sga,f35zfaa - ~ F.
fy What do you mean by perhapsf 4
ty Is sit is well made. Amy one but myself Nigh
Il, have been deceived .ra9's s.tsi'i at1 ~
Z, But ! swear to you that you have see
s. ALL ral l-l'sra a-.f .tot = -f..,.s r
10! why deceive mea am going to pro,
- the contrary mem as.
If yoE find anything else, know nothin
of it. sasa1a afs-s= s..aa
rse "A poor excuse. warn you that / do n.
believe you Sass ia,sszs ~ saa, $50. ti7r-s,,
1t Let US finish this bad joke 5l.s. ss. p +
a We will. and SO much the worse for yor
,n. And with nail, the officer pressed again
as what was apparently a little ornament whit
&c flew back disclosing drawer, in which was
paper parcel. . ~. L,'aa'} s1 s
The officer took it out, looked at IL, al
OF put it back That is not contrabaud,' sa
he with bow, "and with SO much money
any was wrong to accuse you 81
= But the Viscount was stupefied. F'5z7
IS il a. Bank notesr cried he. But l, did not =
? them there sas v1s-s1
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