Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-11-29
Gales aud Sketehss.
STORIES FROM A BANK COUNTER.
Continued from yesterday.)
TWO ECCENTRIC DEPosiToRs.

Much moved by the simple and disinter-
ested generosity of this rough and litter
ate man, and by the strong common sense
which had marked his application to it,
willingly offered to render him all the as
sistance in my power, and suggested that
he should appoint three trustees to carry
out his wishes, adding that should be
happy to ask three charitable gentlemen
OF position to act in that character. The
old mans eyes grew moist and CLEANED
with pleasure, and his face assumed an
expression of kindness and goodness
which quite etfaced the roughness and un-
comliness which hard life had i'm
pressed upon it. He thanked me warmly
tor my proposition, but said he would as.
sent TO it upon one condition, which was
that should consent to be one of the trus-
tees myself. 1t was then agreed that
should ask the manager of the bank and
another gentleman l knew, both of whom
were interested in the education Of the
poor, to act with me.
"And now. sir, " he continued, drawing
his chair nearer to me, speaking in mys-
terious whisper, and locking cautiously
round, as il he feared there might be some
listener concealed in the room, II want
you to do me another favor. When Twas
IN Australia invested goodish sum in
government stocks. which pay me very
well. They gave me lot OF bonds for it"
he added in an undertone, land I'm
blessed if | know what to do with the
blessed papers. l always carry them
about me, and they're perfect torment;
cos it anybody was to steal them from
me, you know, or if was to lose them.
they wouldn't pay me the interest. So
wanted to ask you if you'd mind taking
care of them for me-"
told him he could leave them at the
bank and that they would be properly
to his room and returned with parcel
wrapped up in very dirty newspaper.
tied with string, and proceeded to open
it. What was my surprise when found
it contained New South Wales bonds to the
tune of ten thousand pounds
why, Mr.. Knott" exclaimed, "you
are rich man. That makes seventeen
thousand pounds!"
why. yes, sir" he replied humbly. II
have been very lucky, Snd that's fact.
But besides this I've got mortgage on
some property in Australia for three thou
| sand five hundred pounds. And the mon
| ey amt no use /; l wish it was. | should like
TO make it useful, it l could, 10 some of
| those poor boys l see every day playing
in the courts and alleys here,
"Well," | said. " it is very good of you.
And think you are quite right in putting
those bonds into place of safety, so bring
them to the bank and l will arrange il for
you"
then took my leave, with much diff
Guilty resisting his oppressive hospitality.
The next day Knott appeared with his
bundle of securities, which placed in the
strong-room OF the bank. had spoken
to the manager and to the friend | had
mentioned to Knott, and had no difficulty
in persuading them to act as trustees with
me. arranged for an interview between
them and Knott at the offices OF the banks
solicitors, where he gave Instructions for
the drawing up the trust deed. We were
| all surprised when Knott, after many pre-
liminary coughs and clearings OF the
throat, announced that he would at once
| transfer five thousand pounds to the cred
it OF the trust He gave instruction that
the income of this sum, or any other
moneys which he might in future transfer
to it, were to be applied as far as they
would 60, to the education and appren-
ticeship of any destitute children we
might select, giving the preference at
"And mind you. SIR" he said, address,
ing the solicitor, Il want you to put It in
writing that these boys and girls are to be
brought to earn their bread honestly, and
not to be made ladies and gentlemen of.
Let the girls be sent to service, and the
boys be taught useful trades. All the rest
leave to these gentlemen, who will do
the right thing. And l want them to be
able to send these boys and girls when they
have learned their business, to the colon
les, where they can get on better than they
can in this country, if so be that they're
industrious and not afraid of work. That's
my experience"
Shortly after this Knott took his leave.
and started upon his musical tour. For
abou. four months we heard no more of
him but one day in the late autumn he
reappeared. his face and hands very much
oronzed. and altogether looking in much
better health. | took him into the mana
gers room, and he then related to US the
story of his travels. He had travelled with
his organ along the whole southern coast
OF England, from Margate to Falmouth.
and had returned through Cornwall,
Devon, and Somerset. to Bristol, and
thence by train to London. He had en-
joyed himself splendid" he said, and
would have gone further, only the organ
wanted some repairs.
I'VE have lived like fighting cocks" he
said, land I've made about eighty pounds
over and above expenses. And now, sir,''
he continued contidentially. .'you remem-
Der what | told you at the Old Bell that
day ? I've made up my mind to go back to
Australia for spell. and l shall come
back again in couple OF years. time.
But before go, want to add the rest of
the money you have of mine in bonds to
the other Ior the poor children"
endeavored to dissuade him. pointing
out how inconvenient it would be for, him
ii he should in any way lose the remain
der of his fortune. lie laughed cheerily
and said
''Oh, never fear for me. l shall fall on
my feet all right, as l always have. Be-
sides Pm not so old but what can earn
my living as always did. I've got now
five hundred pounds in bank-notes, and
after paving my passage / shall hava