That's a sorry looking bit of paper,
your honor, but it's what'll buy more than one twist of pig-tail."
Mr. Alboni perused the document. He was astounded!--not so much at the
contents of that soiled bit of parchment, which was the instrument by
which Natalie, or the holder, could come into possession of a handsome
fortune; but it was at the honesty of this whole-souled sailor. Was it
possible that this poor fellow, who gained his bread by dint of hard
labor, having a fortune within his grasp, which he conscientiously could
have called his own, had not disturbed a farthing thereof?--choosing
rather to reap the fruits of his own industry, treasuring this rich
legacy, as sacred to the memory of a friend.
Is there indeed such honor to be found in the breast of fallen man? Aye,
't is the heart of the noble sailor that beats with a heroism like this!
To him who goeth down to the great waters in ships, such honor is due!
"And you have had this in your possession for more than twenty years,"
said Mr. Alboni, "and yet have never helped yourself to a cent of that
which was rightly your own? Pray tell me, how would you have disposed of
this wealth at last, had you never heard of an heiress to the estate?"
"D' ye see, sir, I haven't travelled this world over so many times,
without making a beacon light occasionally.
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