, from the Office where his Ticket was sold and registered, to
give Mr. Alder the owner of it, the most early Advice of his good
Fortune, upon which Mr. Powell immediately went with the Messenger to
carry this important Intelligence. Mr. Alder was in Bed, but upon
being called jumped out, and opened the Window; when Mr. Powell told
him he had brought good News, for his Ticket was come up a Prize. Mr.
Alder replied that he knew very well it was only a Joke, but
nevertheless he would come down and drink with him, with all his
Heart. This Point being settled, both Mr. Alder and his Wife came
down; when the Prize still continued to be the Subject of
Conversation whilst the Glass went round, and it was magnified by
Degrees, till at length Mr. Alder was seriously informed that this
Ticket was the Day before drawn a Prize for _Twenty Thousand Pounds_,
and that the Gentleman then present was the Messenger of his Success.
Though the utmost Precaution had been used, it is natural to suppose
that so sudden and unexpected an Acquisition must produce very extra
ordinary Emotions: Mr. Alder, however, supported him with great
Decency, but almost immediately slipped out into the Yard behind his
House, where he staid some little Time, probably to drop a joyful
Tear, as well as to offer an Ejaculation for these Blessings of
Providence; but at his Return into the House, we are told, he
manifested a most open and generous Heart: He was immediately for
doing good, as well as rewarding every one who had in any wise been
instrumental in the Advancement of his Fortune.
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