Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1865-10-14
DAILY SENTINEL


The lste Mr. Simeon, Of Hasbourne. near
Birnin CHAM, who was largely engaged IN the
Ihe psil trade, IN ons Of bis visits 70 London on
business, was o.er,aken By heavy shower Of
rain, from which be sogght shelter under al
arcbvay: The rain continued for long time With
unsbateG violence and be was consequently
obliged 10 remain In This place for shelter. He
was soon agreeably surprised by the opening of
the door Of handsome house opposite, and .
footnSn approaching with ar Hnorsla, with his
masters compliment snd that he had observed
the gentleman standing so long under the arch
way that he feared be might take cold, and
therefore would be glad IL he would come and
take shelter n his house, an invitation which
kr. Simeon gladly accepted. He was ushered
into drawing-room, where the master Of the
house sitting. and he received from hirs
very friendly welcome. Scarcely however, had
Mr. smcor set eyes on bis host than he vas
struck with vague remembrance OF having seen
him before; but where, or under whs; cireHm-
stances he was altogether unable to call to
mind. HE inqairing glanees at last conveyed
10 bis host what vas passing in hiE mind.
"fou seem, sir" said be. "to look a, me ss
ii you had seen me before !"
Mr. Simcox acknowledged that his host was
right in his coniectures. bu, confessed mia entire
inability to recall the occasion.
You are right sir, said the old gentleman,
and il fou will pledge your nord a man of
honor TO keep my secret, and not disclose % any
ore what an now going to tell YOU until YOU
have the notice Of nv death Ia the London
papers, have no objection 20 remind you where
and bow YOU have known me In g. James
Park, near Spring Gardens, you may pass every
day an old man who sweeps crossing there sand
whose begging is attended by this strange o.cu-
larity-thaf, whatever be the amount OF the
alEs bestowed On him, he will retain only half
penny, and scrupplously return 10 tbs donor all
the rest. Such unusual proceeding naturally
eYcites the curiosity Of those who hssr OF IT, and
any one who ha. himself made tie experiment,
when be happens % bs walking by with friend,
ia almost sure 10 .sv u him do you see thar sid
fellow tbeFeg He Is the strsage,t besgar you
ever saw in your life II give hin sxpsnce
he will be sure to give you hvepenee halfpenny
back again OF Ms friend makes the
experiment, which turns on. as piejicted; and
as crowds Of people are eonst intly passing.
there numbers OF persons every day who
make the same trial aud thus the old mar makes
many a hal!-penRy FROM tho curiosity OF the
passeTs-by..i in addition to what he obtains from
their compassion l. sir, aDi that bcggaf. Many
years ago ! first DIT upon the eIpedient for the
relief Of my then pressing necessities; for | was
at that time utterly destitute. but finding the
scheme answered beyond my expectations. | was
Induced 20 carry il on Until | had at last with
the aid Of profitable investment, realized hand
some fortune enabling me TO live in the com
fort Ia which Tou Sud this day And now,
sir such l. Ihe force of hsbt, hat, though ] am
no longer under any necessity for cohtinuing this
plan. Sud myself quite unable ta give il upi and
accordingly every morning ! leave hone ap-
parently for business purposes. and 20 70 a reom
where ! put on nv old clothes, and continue
sweeping mr. crossing in he park till csrtsin
hour in the afternoon, when 20 back 80 my
room, resume NV usual dress. and return home
in time for dinner, as YOU this dsv