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Man That Corrupted Hadley
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Описание:
Twain, Mark - Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg
Автор:
xcislav
Создан:
до 15 июня 2009 (текущая версия от 7 октября 2011 в 11:18)
Публичный:
Да
Тип словаря:
Книга
Последовательные отрывки из загруженного файла.
Содержание:
180 отрывков, 97487 символов
1 The Man that Corrupted HadleyburgIt was many years ago. Hadleyburg was the most honest and uprighttown in all the region round about. It had kept that reputationunsmirched during three generations, and was prouder of it than ofany other of its possessions. It was so proud of it, and so anxiousto insure its perpetuation, that it began to teach the principles ofhonest dealing to its babies in the cradle, and made the liketeachings the staple of their culture thenceforward through all theyears devoted to their education.
2 Also, throughout the formativeyears temptations were kept out of the way of the young people, sothat their honesty could have every chance to harden and solidify,and become a part of their very bone. The neighbouring towns werejealous of this honourable supremacy, and affected to sneer atHadleyburg's pride in it and call it vanity; but all the same theywere obliged to acknowledge that Hadleyburg was in reality anincorruptible town; and if pressed they would also acknowledge thatthe mere fact that a young man hailed from Hadleyburg was all therecommendation he needed when he went forth from his natal town toseek for responsible employment.But at last, in the drift of time, Hadleyburg had the ill luck tooffend a passing stranger--possibly without knowing it, certainlywithout caring, for Hadleyburg was sufficient unto itself, and carednot a rap for strangers or their opinions.
3 Still, it would havebeen well to make an exception in this one's case, for he was abitter man, and revengeful. All through his wanderings during awhole year he kept his injury in mind, and gave all his leisuremoments to trying to invent a compensating satisfaction for it. Hecontrived many plans, and all of them were good, but none of themwas quite sweeping enough: the poorest of them would hurt a greatmany individuals, but what he wanted was a plan which wouldcomprehend the entire town, and not let so much as one person escapeunhurt.
4 At last he had a fortunate idea, and when it fell into hisbrain it lit up his whole head with an evil joy. He began to form aplan at once, saying to himself "That is the thing to do--I willcorrupt the town."Six months later he went to Hadleyburg, and arrived in a buggy atthe house of the old cashier of the bank about ten at night. He gota sack out of the buggy, shouldered it, and staggered with itthrough the cottage yard, and knocked at the door.
5 A woman's voicesaid "Come in," and he entered, and set his sack behind the stove inthe parlour, saying politely to the old lady who sat reading the"Missionary Herald" by the lamp:"Pray keep your seat, madam, I will not disturb you. There--now itis pretty well concealed; one would hardly know it was there. Can Isee your husband a moment, madam?"No, he was gone to Brixton, and might not return before morning."Very well, madam, it is no matter.
6 I merely wanted to leave thatsack in his care, to be delivered to the rightful owner when heshall be found. I am a stranger; he does not know me; I am merelypassing through the town to-night to discharge a matter which hasbeen long in my mind. My errand is now completed, and I go pleasedand a little proud, and you will never see me again. There is apaper attached to the sack which will explain everything.
7 Good-night, madam."The old lady was afraid of the mysterious big stranger, and was gladto see him go. But her curiosity was roused, and she went straightto the sack and brought away the paper. It began as follows:"TO BE PUBLISHED, or, the right man sought out by private inquiry--either will answer. This sack contains gold coin weighing a hundredand sixty pounds four ounces--""Mercy on us, and the door not locked!"Mrs.
8 Richards flew to it all in a tremble and locked it, then pulleddown the window-shades and stood frightened, worried, and wonderingif there was anything else she could do toward making herself andthe money more safe. She listened awhile for burglars, thensurrendered to curiosity, and went back to the lamp and finishedreading the paper:"I am a foreigner, and am presently going back to my own country, toremain there permanently.
9 I am grateful to America for what I havereceived at her hands during my long stay under her flag; and to oneof her citizens--a citizen of Hadleyburg--I am especially gratefulfor a great kindness done me a year or two ago. Two greatkindnesses 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, hungryand without a penny. I asked for help--in the dark; I was ashamedto beg in the light.
10 I begged of the right man. He gave me twentydollars--that is to say, he gave me life, as I considered it. Healso gave me fortune; for out of that money I have made myself richat the gaming-table. And finally, a remark which he made to me hasremained with me to this day, and has at last conquered me; and inconquering has saved the remnant of my morals: I shall gamble nomore. 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, orkeep, as he pleases.
 

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