The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-08-12
A Freak OF Fortune.


friend of Chicago millionaire. In a
recent confidential conversation oc-
cured the following narrative, as re-
produced in the Chicago Inter- Ocean:
After sitting in reflective silence for
few moments, Mr. Blank said sud
denly: "l've a 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 l 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.
81 do not PROPOSE" said Mr.. Blank,
as he puffed leisurely fragrant cigar,
"to be so specific that l will worry you.
All you want to know is the general
circumstances, Of course. Well, l came
from Devonshire nearly thirty years ago,
landing in New York, ut about the age
of twenty-five, with my wife, few
pounds in my pocket and stout heart.
I 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 l was taken
sick, and before l had secured any en-
ployment fever seized me, and when
weeks aftorward l came back to life my
money was 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 l was
able / arose from my bed to seek for
work. Those were sorry days for us, I
can tell you. Up and down the streets
I wandered, asking every place for
work; but l was weak and emaeiated,
and no one cared to give me employ
ment. / was not worth it, really, and
so I went on for two weeks, my health
scarcely improving, my case becoming
moro and more desperate. One day,
utterly exhausted and discouraged, feel
ing miserable and sick, ready to die but
for my wife, sank down upon a box
that stood against lamppost on Broad
way. took my hat off that the breeze
might cool my burning head, and l
guess that I so fell asleep. Anyway,
when | became conscious of where ]
was and felt somewhat rested, l arose
to put on my hat, when some small
coins rolled out upon the sidewalk. Ny
heart throbbed as though a miracle had
been performed. picked these up, and
found othersin my hat. Altoge ther l had
nearly 81. There was good supper
for my wife and me, and l 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 I will accept it
that way, and did. Every day after
that / slouched down at corner on
some public thoroughfare and held out
my hat. l asked no one for aims, but
just sat there with my hat out. AS fast
as any money was dropped in trans
ferred it to my pockets. The first day
l took in $3.50, and from that time my
earnings were never less and they have
run as high as $25 in day. / took to
all sorts of tricks to look miserable and
played upon the public, though l 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
over $50, 900, Of which had $4,000 in
bank little in many banks. / then
had two children, and we lived COM
fortably. When 1 found ] had $4,000
| concluded to invest it. / did. l
bought stocks, and after quietly specu-
lating two years had made 1927, 900,
and concluded to give up my old life
and become a gentleman again. came
West. bought land in this vicinity.
In 1hort time that land more than ever
made me rich man, and to-day ! am
worth not penny less than $500, 900,
That, sir, all came from beggar's hat
in the streets Of New York. Strange
story? / think 50 myself. Really, it now
seems to me that all this was dream.
II does not seem real ;"
Mr.. Blank relighted his cigar, leaned
comfortably back in his chair and re-
marked, "Never despise beggar. You
can't tell how rich he may be-"
The journalist went his way that after
noon wondering much, envious Of the
mendicant at the corner, and inclined
TO turn beggar himself.