The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1861-06-19
hings went on to their entire satisfaction.


Ten years had now elapsed since Per-
rim had become proprietor of the farm
which he occupied, when one day, as he
returning to dinner, after a laborious
mornings work, his attention was arrest
ed by the ovcrturning Of n carriage with
two travellers in il at very short dis
tanoe from where he stood. He immedi-
ately ran 10 the spot 20 render all the as
sistance he WAS able, and offered them the
horses out of his plow to carry their lug
gage. He begged of tho travellers that
they would come and rest themselves at
his house and take some refreshments.-
"Truly," said one of them, 'this is an un-
lucky part of the country 10 me; it seems
| am never to pass this way without meet
ing with some misfortune. About twelve
years ago, | met with considerable loss
somewhere hereabouts. | was returning
from the fair at Yilre, and lost bag con-
tanning no less than twelve thousand liv.
res in gold" al G
But how was it." said Perrin, who
was all attention at hearing this, 4" that
you did not make some search after so
great sumW l. sta
"My worthy friend, that was, | may
say, impossible; | had to make all speed
TO Lorient, from whence was to embark
for the Indies. There was no time to be
lost--the vessel was ready TO set SAIL and
you know it would not have waited for
me; | had no opportunity of making any
inquiries, which would most likely have
proved useless, and, by preventing my de-
parture, would have exposed me to q
greater loss than that which | had sus-
tained."
AT hearing this The heart of the farm
er leaped for joy; he pressed the travel
ers with greater eagerness 10 accept of his
offer. His house was the nearest aud
best in the village. They could no longer
refuse to accompany him. He went be-
fore to show them the way, and meeting
his wife, he desired her to return and pre-
pare dinner for his guests. While it was
getting ready, he presented them with
refreshments, and turned the conversation
on the subject of the loss which one of
them had complained of since he had
no doubt but he was tho man to whom
restitution was due. He went TO the new
rector 10 inform him of what he had
heard, and to invite him to come and dine
with them.
After dinner the travellers knew not
how to express their gratitude for the kind
reception Perrin had given them. Per-
rim showed them the house, the garden,
his sheep and cattle; he entertained them
with an account of his fields and produce;
then, pausng for "a Few moments, he turn
ed towards the first traveller and said to
Eim: "Sir, all that you have seen to.
day belongs to you; when the money that
you lost fell into my hands, seeing that it
remained unclaimed, l bought this farm
with it, intending to give il to the right
owner should he ever make his appearance
therefore the farm and all belonging TO
it is yours; and, had have died before
finding you out, our rector hero holds in
his hand written document by which |
have made it over TO you as your proper
ty."
The stranger, after reading il looked
first at Perrin, then at Lucette and the
children. Al last, recovering little from
his astonishment, he exclaimed: "What
have just heard What noble, what
disnterested virtue, aud in what condition
of society have met with it," Then ad-
dressing himself to Perrin: /" Have you
any other dependence besides this farm ?"
"No, not any; but, if you do not dis
pose of it, you will want n farmer, and |
hope in that case, you will give me the
preference"
Your honesty merits far different
reward" replied the stranger. at is now
twelve years ago since lost the sum Of
money which you found; since that time
God has blessed me with prosperity; my
commercial connectins became very ex-
tensive, and did not long perceive the
effects of my loss; restitution now would
add comparatively nothing to my wealth
YOU alO NSoOINihS vi Wis H''O iOi 'uhN :
Divine Providence has made you pres
ent of it, and it would be offending Him
to take it from you. l give it up entire
ly into your hands; YOU may keep it; |
renounce all claim to it; what other man
would have acted as you have done ?"--
So saying, he tore TO pieces the deed that
he held 10 his hand. "But," continued
he, $50 beautiful an action must not be
consigned TO oblivion. No new act is
necessary TO confirm my having made it
over to you and your children; neverthe-
less, will have the whole transaction
committed to writing, TO perpetuate the
remembrance of your honesty and up
rightness." A notary was accorordingly
sent for. Perrin and Lucette fell at the
feet of the traveller; he raised them up
and embraced them. Perrin shed tears
of tenderness and JOY. My children,
said he, "come forward and kiss the hand
Of your beHefactor; my dear Lucette
this property now belongs to us; aud
hencoforward we may enjoy it, and leave
il TO our children without trouble or re.