Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-03-02
The SeVen-Shilling Piece.

L 4
gentleman, whom we shall call Mr.. Thowp-
SON, was seated, with something of mclan-
choly look, in his dreury back room, Watching
his clerks paying away thousands of pounds
hourly. Thompson was banker of excellent
credit; there existed, perhaps, in the city OF
London, no safer concern than that of MesSrs.
Thompson & Co.. but at moment such as |
speak of no rational reflection was admitted,
no former stability was looked to; general
distrust was felt, aud every one rushed to his
bankers to withdraw his hoard, fearful that
the next instant would be too late, forgetting
entirely tina, this step was of all others the
most likely ensure the ruin he sought to
avoid.
But to return. The wealthy citizen sat
sadly watching the outpouriug OF his gold,
and with grim smile listening tothe clamorous
demands on his cashier for although he felt
perfectly easy and secure as to the ultimate
strength of his resources, yet he could not
repress feeling OF bitterness as he saw cOu-
stituent after constituent rush in, and those
whom he foudly imagined to be his dearest
friends eagerly assisting in the run upon his
strong box.
Presently the door opened and stranger
was ushered in, who, after gazing for moment
at the bewiidered banker, cooily drew chair,
and abruptly addressed him. You will
pardon me, for asking strange question; but
am plain man, and like to come straight
to the point"
"Well, sir?" impatientIy interrupted the
other.
81 have heard that you have run on your
bank, sir. Is it true Z"
"Really, sir, must decline replying to your
very extraordinary query. If, however, you
have any money in the bank, you had better
at once draw it OUT, and so, satisfy yourself;
our cashier will instantly pay you )" and the
banker rose, us hint for the stranger to with
draw.
Far from it, sir; have not one sizpenco
Then, may ask, what is your business
here z"
'l wished to know if small sum would
aid you ut this moment?"
"Why do you ask the question p
because, if it would, should gladly pay
in small deposit"
The money deuIer started
''Go GU seem surprised you don't know my
person or.my motive. l'iIat once explain
Do you recOiIect some twenty years ago when
you resided in Essex p
"Periec;ly."
"WelI, then, sir, perhaps you have not
forgotten the turnpike gate which you passed
through daily My father kept that gate,
and was often honOred with a few minutes
chat with you. One Christmas morning my
father was sick, and l attended the toll lar
On that day, you passed through, aud opened
the gate for you. Do you recollect it, sir r
Not |, my friend -
ono, sir; few such men remember kind
deeds, but those who are bcneftrcd by them,
seldom forget them. l am, perhaps, prolific
listen, however, only few moments and !
have done"
The banker, who began to feel interested,
at once assented.
''Weli, sir, ms l said before, threw open
the gate for you. and as | considered myself
in dury bound, l wished you a happy Christ
mas"
Thank you, my lad, replied you thank
you, and the same to you here is trife to
make it SO; and you threw me seven-slIil-
ling piece. 1t was the first money ever
possessed aud never shall forget my Joy
on receiving it, or your kind smiles on bestow-
ing it. long treasured it, and as grew up,
added little to it, till l was able to rent a
toll myself. You left that part of the coun-
try, and lost sight of you. Yearly. however,
l have been getting on; your presence brought
good fortune With it; | am now comparatively
rich, aud to you l consider l owe all. So,
this morning, hearing accidentally that there
was run on your bank, collected all my
capitol, and have brought it to lodge with you,
in case it can be of any use to you; here it
is sir,-here it is, and he handed a bundle
of bank notes to the agitated Thompson
I'm few days I'll call again" aud, snatch
ing up his hat. the stranger, throwing down
his card walked out Of the room.
Thompson undid the roll. 1t contained
100000! The sternhearted banker burst
into tears The frm did not require his prop;
but the motive was SO noble that even a
millionaire soDbcd-he could not help it.
The firm is still one of the first in London.
The 100000 of the turnpike boy is now
grown into some 100000. Fortune has well
disposed of her gifts