I am grateful to America for what I have
received at her hands during my long stay under her flag; and to one
of her citizens--a citizen of Hadleyburg--I am especially grateful for
a great kindness done me a year or two ago. Two great kindnesses in
fact. I will explain. I was a gambler. I say I WAS. I was a ruined
gambler. I arrived in this village at night, hungry and without a
penny. I asked for help--in the dark; I was ashamed to beg in the
light. I begged of the right man. He gave me twenty dollars--that is
to say, he gave me life, as I considered it. He also gave me fortune;
for out of that money I have made myself rich at the gaming-table. And
finally, a remark which he made to me has remained with me to this
day, and has at last conquered me; and in conquering has saved the
remnant of my morals: I shall gamble no more. Now I have no idea who
that man was, but I want him found, and I want him to have this money,
to give away, throw away, or keep, as he pleases. It is merely my way
of testifying my gratitude to him. If I could stay, I would find him
myself; but no matter, he will be found.
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