The Millionaire Baby — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The Millionaire Baby
John Stuart Mill · en
A reward of five thousand dollars is offered, by Philo Ocumpaugh,
to whoever will give such information as will lead to the recovery,
alive or dead, of his six-year-old daughter, Gwendolen, missing
since the afternoon of August the 16th, from her home in -----
on-the-Hudson, New York, U. S. A.
Fifty thousand dollars additional and no questions asked if she is
restored unharmed within the week to her mother at Homewood.
All communications to be addressed to Samuel Atwater, -----
on-the-Hudson.
A minute description of the child followed, but this did not interest
me, and I did not linger over it. The child was no stranger to me. I
knew her well and consequently was quite aware of her personal
characteristics. It was the great amount offered for her discovery and
restoration which moved me so deeply. Fifty thousand dollars! A fortune
for any man. More than a fortune to me, who stood in such need of ready
money. I was determined to win this extraordinary sum. I had my reason
for hope and, in the light of this unexpectedly munificent reward,
decided to waive all the considerations which had hitherto prevented me
from stirring in the matter.
There were other reasons less selfish which gave impetus to my resolve.
I had done business for the Ocumpaughs before and been well treated in
the transaction. I recognized and understood both Mr. Ocumpaugh's
peculiarities and those of his admired and devoted wife. As man and
woman they were kindly, honorable and devoted to many more interests
than those connected with their own wealth. I also knew their hearts to
be wrapped up in this child,--the sole offspring of a long and happy
union, and the actual as well as prospective inheritor of more millions
than I shall ever see thousands, unless I am fortunate enough to solve
the mystery now exercising the sympathies of the whole New York public.