The National tribune., 1881-09-10
A FREAK OF FORTUNE.

Chicago Journalist is an intimate friend OF
! Chicago millionaire. In recent confidential
conversation occurred the following narrative, as
reproduced in the Chicago Inter Ocean:
After sitting in reflective silence for few
moments Mr.. Blank said suddenly: I've
notion to tell you my story. 1t is so singular
that it may be incredible, and it is certainly not
| an experience one would think / had gone
through"
The reporter expressed desire to hear the
story.
II will tell you, upon condition that you will
never mention my name in connection with it."
The promise of secrecy was readily given.
Il do not propose" said Mr. Blank, as he puffed
leisurey fragrant cigar, Ito be so specific that
l will worry you. All you want to know is the
general circumstances, of course. Well, | came
from DevOnshire nearly thirty years ago, landing
in New York at about the age of twenty five,
with my wife, a few pounds in my pocket, and a
stout heart. / had come to seek my fortune like
many young men before me who found their
native land unkind in care of them. Almost
upon my arrival ! was taken sick, and before |
had secured any employment fever seized me-
and when weeks afterward | came back to life
my money gone and we were in debt for
rent. My poor wife had made few dimes here
and there doing cheap sewing, but the little she
could do was not enough and much before / was
able I arose from my bed to seek for work.
Those were sorry days for us, / can tell you. Up
and down the streets | wandered asking every
place for work but was weak and emacated, and
no one cared to g We me employment was not
worth it, really, and so / went on for two weeks,
my health scarcely improving; my case becom-
ing more and more desperate every day, utterly
exhausted and discouraged, feeling miserable and
sick, ready to die but for my wife sank down
upon box that stood against lamp-post ON
Broadway. I took my hat off that the breeze
might cool my burning head, and guess that
so fell asleep. Anyway, when became conscious
of where l was and felt somewhat rested arose
to put on my hat, when some small coins rolled
out upon the sidewalk. My heart throbbed as
though miracle had been performed | picked
these up and found others in my hat. Altogether
| had nearly 81. There was a good supper for
my wife and me, and / had besides got an idea.
| said to myself, was perfectly willing to work
for little money and no one would employ me;
now since people are willing to give me money
without work | will accept it that way, and |
did. Every day after that slOuched down at cor
ner on some public thOrOughfare and held out my
hat / asked no one for aims, but just sat there
with my hat out. As fast as any money was
dropped in transferred it to my pockets. The
first dav | took in $3.50, and from that time my
earnings were never less and they have run as
high as S25 in day took to all sorts of tricks
to look miserable and played upon the public, !
though | was soon as we'll and vigorous as the !
best who came along. Well, sir, l kept this !
business up six years, and at the end of that |
time / had actually taken in little 0000 |
of which had $4,000 in bank, little in many
banks. | then had two children. and we lived |
comfortably When / found / had $4,000 con- |
cluded to invest it, did. bought stocks. and !
after quietly specializing two years / had made |
S227000, and concluded to give up my old life |
and become gentleman again. ! came West |
| bought land in this vicinity. In a short time !
that land more than ever made me a rich man. |
and to-day am worth not penny less than !
100000. That sir, all came from beggar's hat |
think so myself Really it now seems to me |
that all this was dream 1t does not seem real"
Mr.. Blank lighted his cigar, leaned comfortably |
back in his chair and remarked: Never despise |
a begger. You can't tell how rich he may be-
The journalist went his way that afternoon
wondering much, envious of the mendicant at !
the corner and inclined to turn beggar himself |
1t is hoped that this story will not induce |
many TO turn street beggars
JOHN DENNIS AND GENERAL FLOYD.