The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-11-20
James Browne Fortune.

A few days ago hod carrier named
James Brown, working at the Tome Mills,
In Centreville, New Jersey, received lot
ter bordered In black, just as he was as
cending ladder with q hod of mortar.
Upon opening the letter he learned that he
had fallen heir to $54, 900 through the
death Of his father. He informed his CON-
panions OF his good fortune, but, to their
surprise, did not quit work, and was
promptly on hand the next morning.
"Why, Brown" said the overseer, t.ain't
you going to knock off,"
"Of course not, said he. ''Why ahould
"Well, but with such nice little for
tune''-
''Poohl poohi man." Brown interrupted.
"If you had lost $3.50. 900 in one day as
have done, you wouldn't be upset by lit
| tie matter OF this kind"
Then he shouldered his hod and went to
work. He is fine, athletic-looking man,
about forty years Of age, with good hum
ored expression, regular features, orna-
mented with closely trimmed side whiskers.
His muscular arms, barred to tho elbow,
are tanned and battered.
'Rr. Brown" said reporter, ''do you
object to telling how you lost $3.50, 900 IN
= single day2"
''Not at all, sir" he replied. 81 was
born in New York and lived there nearly
all my life My relatives IN this city are
all wealthy. was myself worth over
$500. 900 at one time. l was broker in
" all and Broad streets for nearly ten years,
but my fortune gradually dwindied away
in risky speculations until only $3.50, 900
was left. Every cent OF that went in one
day in the panic of '73. Oil did it. Well,
my friend secured clerkship for me, and
l worked hard for year or two till I ao.
cumulated little money, and then I'd lose
1t again in stocks. I was in a constant
state Of feverish excitement, my health ran
down, and finally gave every cent l had
away, and went to work as q brick -layer
and hod-carrier. have gained forty six
pounds since l began, and l am contented
and happy
"of course you'll quit this sort Of thing
"By no means. II I 20 back on the
street Ill lose what little money have, and
shatter my health. Besides"
Here the dialogue was interrupted by a
mason leaning out Of half finished win
dow, yelling, "Hay, Browna Pm blessed
If here amt another"
"No!" said Brown, with a smile.
"Sure as you're born," was tho reply.
And then the windows were black with the
heads of masons and brick-layers, all look
ing in one direction. The reporter follow
ed their example, and saw a woman of a
stylish appearance coming over the road
and making bee line for Mr.. Brown. Sho
walked directly up to the reporter and said
"Where's Mr. Brown?"
"Here he is, madam"-but, on turning
around, no Mr. Brown was to be seen. He
had disappeared at her approach. She
tapped tho ground with her parasol and
said 1t was very provoking. The reporter
asked her why, and she said she had heard
OF Browns good luck, and, as he would
probably start an establishment, she had
come to offer her services. She had been
a capable housekeeper in all English fam
lily for fifteen years, and she was sure she
would suit Dir. Brown. Would the repor.
ter look for him3 OF course he would; and
behind the engine house he found Brown
making a limo on board beside six other
lines, while an admirlng crowd stood
around.
'Do you mean to say that this is tho
seventh women who has beeu here2" in.
quired the reporter.
II assure you, sir, have been called
upon by seven woman, all Of whom were
total strangers to me, to-day, and l can
prove it by these men,"
"And you don't want capable English
housekeeper?"
81 do notl"
just then the woman came around the
corner, and Brown couldn't get out Of sight.
lie didn't make an engagement, however;
30 the applicant was obliged TO return to
the city again.
The station master confirmed the story
that seven different woman had called to
see the fortunate brick-layer IN one day;
but they had all been disappointed.