The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-02-21
WHY THEY LIKE
AMERICA
IOriginal.]

Al we udu UuI u lew uuuuIcu uOi-
lars, Hans" said Gretchen, at would
be possible, but with nothing what
could we do? Our wages are too small
to save anything. We should have to
pay all we earn for board and would
never have home. Let us wait
awhile"
Hans did wait awhile, but there
seemed no more prospect after it than
before, and he grew impatient. Crotch.
en- coaxed him, telling him she had
saved $50 during the year and If he
would save the same in three years they
would have enough to buy furniture
and could go to housekeeping. Then
together they might live cheaper than
apart and save more money for the
family to come. Three years seemed
long while to Hans. Besides, man
Is not as good at saving as woman,
and he had not put by more than half
what Gretchen had.
One day when Hans was walking on
the street he saw right under his nose
fat pocketbook Some one had evil
IDENTIFY dropped it but moment before,
for people were passing continually.
Hans picked it up and hurried on,
thinking to overtake the owner, for he
was an honest fellow, and every one
he passed he asked If he had dropped
anything. All looked at him In sur
prise, and some felt in their pockets,
but no one claimed the property. Then
Hans, thinking that the loser must
have been going the other way, desist-
ed. He took the pocketbook to his
room, opened it and found $3.50 in bills.
He carried it to Gretchen, and they
consulted what they should do. Mel
Their Of them thought for moment to
keep what would be a treasure to
both, and they decided that Hans
should take it to the police, who would
doubtless try to find the owner.
The next morning Hans started for
the police Office and, passing point
near where he had found the pocket
book, saw notice posted Of the loss
and saying that If it, with its contents,
was returned a quarter Of the con-
tents would be given to the finder.
44OAAo NCAl UaSh W oAOIShC1 anu WV
her of the notice. "We are in great
luck" he said. "a quarter Of $3.50 is
$162.50. With that we can buy enough
furniture to commence housekeeping
Gretchen admitted that it would GER
tainly bring them nearer to their de-
sires and advised him to go at once
and deliver the money.
t. 4J,o ock
disagreeable looking creature with
blear eyes, snaggle teeth, hook nose
and cunning expression. Hans hand
ed him the pocketbook. He opened it,
felt of it, looked in it and, affecting
great surprise, asked:
We're is the di'monds?"
"What diamonds?"
The di'monds that we're in the pock-
etbook with the monish."
Hans declared that there were no
diamonds, whereupon the Jew began
to abuse him for thief. Hans, be-
side himself with rage at being ac-
cused of swindling and especially at
his accuser's evident intention to de-
prive him of the promised reward.
made dash for the pocketbook The
Jew cried Justify for the police, and an
officer came running into the shop.
Hans and the Jew stated their case,
and the officer took them before mag
istrate, together with the pocketbook
and its contents. The magistrate heard
the story Of each, giving especial atten-
ton to the Jews statement, asking him
many questions respecting the jewelry,
their size and value. Then he ques-
toned Hans, drawing out the circum-
stances Of finding the treasure and his
returning it. When he was satisfied as
to the merits Of the case he turned to
the Jew and asked:
For what did you ADVERTISED"
A lost poclSetbook, your honor, con-
tanning $3.50"
And how many diamonds?'
No di'monds, your honor"
Why didn't you mention them?"
Because didn't want any one who
found them to know what they was"
THAT was very prudent of you.
Knowing their value, the finders would
have been more likely to keep them"
Yes, your honor"
"And the money and the diamonds
were in the pocketbookY
Yes, your honor"
'"The contract you made with the
finder was to return pocketbook con-
tanning $3.50 and you would give him a
quarter of the amount for reward?"
Yes, your honor"
Every well. Since this pocketbook
contained only $3.50 and no diamonds
it can't be yours" Then, turning to
Hans: "You keep the pocketbook and
the $3.50 until the owner calls for them,
and if he never calls for them they are
yours"
The Jew protested, but the magls-
trate was infexible. He cried and
wrung his hands, while Hans walked
away with the pocketbook, followed by
the Jew, who offered him all the mon
ey If he would give up the pocketbook.
Hans would do nothing till he had seen
Gretchen, SO he declined the offer. The
Jew offered more and more money till