Saved by a Pipe

In 1853 there resided on the outskirts of Northampton, England, and old gentleman named Shaw. Three years before he came thither from London and purchased the property on which he lived. It was an old farm known as the Moat, and the dwelling at the time of the purchase was much dilapidated. Shaw put masons and carpenters to work and soon rendered the place comfortably habitable. It was a long, two story building, standing in a field three hundred yards from the turnpike. Mr. Shaw brought with him an old man servant and a middle aged Irish woman, who acted as housekeeper, cook, and general servant.

Shaw lived in a very niggardly way, although it was reported that he was wealthy. This rumor gained confirmation from the fact that he put out several large sums of money on mortgage. Those who had been to the Moat on business had also seen the old man seated at his desk with piles of money beside him, and had likewise witnessed the care with which he deposited his hoards in a strong box which was along side the desk. In the room, which he used as an office and a parlor, there was a large bedstead, and the old man slept there every night, assigning as a reason that he was rheumatic and found it painful to climb the stairs.

There was this peculiarity about him, which soon began to be spoke of. Although he was soon discovered to be… Read More