Weekly Trinity journal., 1871-07-22
,.,, JULY a,Fs7.
TH4a LITTLE COPPER BOX.

One morning, while seated in the Office read
ing the Bankers Gazette, a man entered Now
several men had given us a call that particular
morning, but this one was a strange person,
who knew at once had entered the bank for
the first time He of medium hight, and
well proportoned; his eyes were large and lus-
trous; but his lips were beautifully chiseled,
and twitched nervously. A red scar, extending
from his left to his mouth, gave him re-
pulsive look.
After glancing around the room he approach
ed the desk. laid aside the paper and arose.
"This is the Leroy Bank p he said nterroga-
lively.
60 Yes sir"
"Do you take things on deposit here?" he
emphasized the noun strangely
I'VE take money" answered.
/" But things" he said.
"Seldom, sir'
" Then you have taken them ?"
Dwell, yes," | answered hesitatingiy, not
liking my VISITORS look. We have kept valua-
bes, such as jewels, wills, ETC., in our vaults
till called for. But it is not in our line of regu-
lar business"
"Just So, he replied. CT have something, a
box, wish to. leave with the bank, you can put
it in the vault and label it " left till called for ;"
bowed, and upon requesting to see the arti-
Gle he wished to deposit, the man smiled and
putting his hand in his bosom he drew it forth
1t was little copper box about three inches
square. 1t was highly polished, and nearly COW
cred with tiny, brass-headed nails. took it in
my hands and examined it with intense curiosity
No hinge or key hole was visible, not even
seam that would have indicated a lid.
WELL" said I, finishing my scrutiny and
setting the box on the desk. Well, this is
what you desire to leave in our care2''
" Yes, sir. 1t is not bulky, and will not oc-
cupy much room," he answered, smiling family
"It is curious box," said | "perhaps it
contains an internal machine"
Far from it, sir" He was becoming mpa-
tient. viii yon keep it?'
81 suppose So When will you call for it2"
"Oh, do not know" he answered. al am
going on a long journey, and know not when
will return"
"Perhaps never" said, eyeing him the
while.
True, sir teller, for such a position | think
you occupy here"
bowed affrmatively, and said, " In the event
of your death"
"The box will be called for" he finished.
"But how will know the person calling for
it should have t2'
oh, easily write me receipt, and the per-
son presenting it will get the box"
drew blank sheet from the desk, and taxi
ing the pen wrote the following receipt
New York, May 10, ls-
Received this day of -, a small copper
box, to be left in the vault till called for.
JOHN HOWARD,
Teller, Leroy Bank.
With flourish | made small mark on the
receipt, so could indentify it when presented
"Now, then, sign your name in that blank
there"
He siezed the pen, and in bold chirography
wrote name; Lionel Vascini.
"An Italian T'
"Aye. And now, he continued, twisting his
grizzled mustache, " will go. Take care of the
little box, though it may not be called for in
twenty years, and picking up the receipt and
bowng he left.
For minute after his footsteps ceased on the
pavement, | found myself gazing at the box
which was turning and over in my hands
Where was the lid2 My curiosity was raised to
its highest pitch, and tried to pry into the lit
tie metal stranger conided to my care. With
my knife hammered the eight corners, but no
lid flew open then | struck many of the small
brass nails but still no lid revealed itself
Finding it impossible to open the box, tried
to conjecture with certainty what it contained
In the midst of my study the bank president en-.
tered.
Hello, Howard r' he shouted, "what have
you found2
Look" and | placed the box in his hands
He examined it as had, and handing it back
asked where got it. told him all-of my Wis.,
itor, what he said, etc. He listened attentively,
and as | concluded said
Yes, sir, put it in the vault in the middle
safe and when it is called for, mind | want to
see the claimant"
Away went to the strong vault, hugging the
little box as though invisible thieves were