The news which came on the following day, created no little
sensation in S----. Jacob Perkins, who lived near Captain Allen's,
and often worked for him, told the story. His relation was to this
effect: About ten o'clock at night, Mrs. Allen sent for him, and he
waited on her accordingly. He found her dressed as for a journey,
but alone.
"Take a seat, Jacob," she said. "I wish to have some talk with you."
The man noticed something unusual in her talk and manner.
"Jacob," she resumed, after a pause, bending towards Mr. Perkins,
"can I trust you in a matter requiring both service and secrecy? I
have done some kind things for you and yours; I now wish you to
return the favor."
As she spoke, she drew out a purse, and let him see something of its
golden contents.
"Say on, Mrs. Allen. You may trust me. If you ask anything short of
a crime, it shall be done. Yes, you have been kind to me and mine,
and now I will repay you, if in my power to do so."
Jacob Perkins was in earnest. But, whether gratitude, or that
apparition of golden sovereigns, had most influence upon him, cannot
at this remote period be said.
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