No further explanation is necessary,
except that it is by no means their object to make this a service of
charity. They therefore (sic) inclose a certificate of deposits on
the Broadway Bank, of three hundred dollars, the same having been
made in your name. Each year, while the child remains in your
charge, the same sum will in like manner be placed to your credit at
the same bank It may be as well to state, farther, that all attempts
to fathom whatever of mystery may attach to this affair, will prove
useless."
This letter was read in silent amazement.
The certificate of deposits, which had fallen to the floor, was
handed to Timothy by his wife.
Amazement was followed by a feeling of gratitude and relief.
"What could be more fortunate?" exclaimed Mrs. Crump. "Surely,
Timothy, our faith has been rewarded."
"God has listened to our cry," said the cooper, devoutly; "and, in
the hour of our need, He has remembered us."
"Isn't it prime?" said Jack, gleefully; "three hundred dollars!
Ain't we rich, Aunt Rachel?"
"Like as not," observed Rachel, "the certificate isn't genuine. It
doesn't look natural it should be. I've heard of counterfeits
before. I shouldn't be surprised at all if Timothy got taken up for
presenting it."
"I'll risk that," said Mr. Crump, who did not look very much
depressed by this suggestion.
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