Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1876-03-02
The Turnpike-BOy and the
Banker.

I @4.C seA
/ Banker.
It was during a panic, some years
since, that gentleman, whom we
shall now call Mr.. Thompson, was
seated, with something Of a melan-
choly look in his dreary back room,
watching his clerks paying away
thousands of pound hourly. Thomp-
sond was a banker of excellent
credit; there existed perhaps in the
city Of London, no safer concern than
that of Messrs. Thompson d Co.,
but at moment such as | speak of,
no rational reflection was admitted,
no former stability was looked to; a
general distrust was felt. and every
one rushed to his bankers to with
draw his hoard, fearful that the next
instant would be too late, forgetting
entirely that this step was, of all
others, the most likely to insure the
ruin he sought to avoid.
But to return. The wealthy citi-
zen sat gloomily, watching the out
pouring of his gold, and with a grim
smile listening to the clamorous de-
mands on his cashier; for, although
he felt perfectly easy and secure as
to the ultimate strength of his re-
sources, yet he could not repress a
feeling of bitterness as he saw con-
stituent after constituent rush in, and
those whom he always fondly i'm
agined to be his daarest friends, eager
ly assisting in the run upon his
strong box.
Presently the door was opened, a
stranger was ushered in, who, after
gazing for a moment at the bewil-
dered banker, coolly drew chair
and abruptly addressed him:
"You will pardon me, sir, for ask
ing rather strange question; but l
am plain man, and like to come
straight to the point"
"Well, sirr' impatiently interrupt
ed the other.
Il have heard that you have run
on your bank, sir
"Wellr
as it true?'
"Really, sir, l must decline reply
ing to your very extraordinary query.
II, 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, as hint for the
stranger to withdraw.
"Far from it, sir; l have not six
pence in your hands.
"Then may ask you what is your
business hereT'
81 wish to know if small sum
would aid you at this moment?"
"Why do you ask that question"
because if it would, | should
gladly pay in a small deposit"
The money dealer started.
"You seem surprised; you don't
know my person or my motive. I'll
at once explain. Do you recollect
some twenty years ago, when you re-
sided in Essex"
"Perfectly.'
"Well then, sir, perhaps you have
not forgotten the turnpike gate
through which you passed daily? My
father kept that gate, and was very
often honored with a few minutes
chat with you. One Christmas morn
ing my father was sick and | attended
the toll bar. On that day you passed
through, and l opened the gate. Do
yon recollect it, sirT'
'No, sir, few such men remember
their kind deeds, but those benefited
by them seldom forget them. l am
perhaps prolix, listen, however, for a
few moments, and | have done"
The banker, who began to feel in
terested, at once assented.
"Well, sir, AS said before, ! threw
open the gate for you, and as | con-
sidered myself in duty bound, Il
wish you happy Christmas Thank
you my lad,' replied you; thank
you, and the same to you; here is a
trife to make it so; and you threw
me shilling piece. 1t was the first
money i ever possessed, and never
shall forget my joy on receiving it,
or your kind smile when bestow-
ing it."
81 long treasured it, and as | grew
up added little to it, till was able
to rent toll myself You soon after
left that part of the country, and l
lost sight of you. Yearly, however,
have been gaining on; your present
brought a good fortune with it; l am
now comparatively rich and to you l
consider owe all. So this morning,
hearing accidentally that there was a
run on your bank, / collected all my
capital and have brought it to lodge
with you in case it can be of any use,
here it is, sir--here it is," and he
handed bundle of bank notes to the
agitated Thompson. ''In few days
I'll call again." and snatching up his
hat, the stranger throwing down his
card, Immediately walked out of the
room.
Thompson opened the roll; it con-
taiaed f3O,O0O! The stern hearted
banker--for all bankers must be stern,
burst into tears. The firm did not
require this prop, but the motive was
so noble, that even millionaire
sobbed. He could not help it. The
firm is still one of the first in the
city of London.
The f3O,000 of the turnpike-boy
is now grown into some 100000.
Fortune has well disposed of her
gifts.