West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1899-04-27
A FORTUNE THAT FAILED
Or the True Story OF gypsy Madge'
and the Foolish Farmer aud the
Two Fat Hens
Written Specially for The Argus.

Written Specially for The Argus.
Once upon a time not very long ago.
Gypsy woman visited an old farmer
Lying about four miles from Kingwood
and tried 10 impress upon his mind the
great need OF having his fortune told.
She said that large amount of manev
had been buried on his farm MANY
years ago. Enough to make him n
wealthy man. That for small sum
of money she would reveal TO him it's
hiding place. He argued with her and
SAID ne was financially pressed and
was not able TO pay her. He seemed
deeply affected and almost moved TO
tears at her statement. When he re.
bected over this golden opportunity
Tor grasping fortune, which, perhaps
would meyer present itself again. But
secretly he had made up his mind to
have his fortune told, and yentured TO
ask IL anything except money would
pay the bill. "0h, yes, Mr. Farmer. I
see you have fine flock of chickens.
Gypsies, you know, like preachers, are
fond of chickens. / will take two fat
hens and proceed to tell your fortune.
This is a small sum, but I am very
anxious that you should come into
possession of this fortune, as IL lies
buried on your farm, you should have
the benefit of it," The old farmer
thought he would be the legal heir
and SO informed the old Gypsy woman.
who at once proceeded to tell him OF
his past present and future life. The
happiness and pleasure that was in
store for him In his Imagination he
could sec the effulgent CLEAN of gold
and silver before his vision. The
/ Gypsy woman took him by the hand
and SAID. let us take little walk out
through the orchard. They strolled,
stopping under an apple tree. She
was silent for some time. then said
Many years ago there lived a man In
this neighborhood who had a large
| amount Of money. Several robberies
had been committed through the
country, and not knowing when thew
might pay him visit he decided n
bury his money in order 20 prevent the
robbers from getting possession of II.
| In a short time he was taken suddenly
Ill and died. leaving the secret of It's
hding place mystery to the family.
They searched i'm every noob and cor.
ner' but in vain. Many years have
passed since then, but Gypsy Madge
stands here today, TO reveal 10 Won
that which has mystifed expert treas.
ure seekers " Pointing 10 a bare SPOT
on the ground under the apple tree
she said ''You see that bare spot
yonder2" Yes" said the farmer. u
see it." "In just fifteen DAYS from thi,
time you come and dig down on that
very spot and you will find the money
in pot" They then retraced Their
steps TO the house. The old Gypsy
woman got her TIVE old hens and re.
turned TO her camp, which was not far
away.
The old farmer retired that night
and dreamed Of stacks OF silver and
gold He could not rest day nor night.
Tho family became alarmed. They
thought be was iH state of dementia.
out 10 the expiration of aftcen DAYS.
he called bis family around him and
told them of The fortune that awaited
him out in The orchard under tine an
pie tree lle went as directed bv Che
Gypsy woman and commenced TO die.
while great drops Of sweat traced
down bis checks. Ire labored on until
night but DID not strike the pot OF
gold Thinking perhaps he bad not
gone deep enough. he resumed opera
tons next day. lie worked on until
evening, when he finally gave up in
despair, saying, "The old Gypsy wo.
man is fraud She kas cheated me
oat Of my two old hens. but have
bean Taught lesson which will re-.
mem ber."
Sic trtrsit gloria muudi
The above story IS absolutely true
and happened about two years ago,
when band of Gypsies we're camped
out about Twilight The farmer who
was SO bitterly disappointed has kept
the secret carefully but it has leaked
out THROUGH some OF his family and Is
too good 80 Keep OF course at the
end Of the fifteen days, the Gypsies
had folded their tents, and like the
Arabs, silently stole away, to seek new
fields TO conquer and are probably
working the same pipie dreams on
other Old farmers