"I am a stranger to you, but no matter: I have something to tell. I

have just arrived home from Mexico, and learned about that episode. Of

course you do not know who made that remark, but I know, and I am the

only person living who does know. It was GOODSON. I knew him well,

many years ago. I passed through your village that very night, and

was his guest till the midnight train came along. I overheard him

make that remark to the stranger in the dark--it was in Hale Alley. He

and I talked of it the rest of the way home, and while smoking in his

house. He mentioned many of your villagers in the course of his

talk--most of them in a very uncomplimentary way, but two or three

favourably: among these latter yourself. I say 'favourably'--nothing

stronger. I remember his saying he did not actually LIKE any person

in the town--not one; but that you--I THINK he said you--am almost

sure--had done him a very great service once, possibly without knowing

the full value of it, and he wished he had a fortune, he would leave

it to you when he died, and a curse apiece for the rest of the

citizens. Now, then, if it was you that did him that service, you are

his legitimate heir, and entitled to the sack of gold. I know that I

can trust to your honour and honesty, for in a citizen of Hadleyburg

these virtues are an unfailing inheritance, and so I am going to

reveal to you the remark, well satisfied that if you are not the right

man you will seek and find the right one and see that poor Goodson's

debt of gratitude for the service referred to is paid. This is the

remark 'YOU ARE FAR FROM BEING A BAD MAN: GO, AND REFORM.'

The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg