A Clever Dreamer.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 265, 27 October 1874, Page 6

A Clever Dreamer.

(Gtelong Advertiser, 30th September.)

An extraordinary, and withal true story, the legitimate sequel of which will in all probability be recorded on the criminal annals of the colony, has transpired within the past week. From what can be gathered upon the subject, it would appear that one day early in last week, a, well-known commercial celebrity of this city was waited upon by a gen-tlemanly-looking stranger, who presented letters of introduction from a leading firm in a neighbouring colony. Mr , anxious to show the stranger every courtesy, invited him to dine with him that afternoon, athisresi-

dence, situated a. good drive away, frprn the cityi ' The invitation' was courteously accepted, and Mr - - and hisiiew acquaintance parted with the warmth of an'old-t'stablishetl friendship. The strangerr-for such WfeishaU continue to' call him-rrduly accompanied M» J—to his residence that and at his hospitable board the evening was spe.pt in social enjoyment and converse. As the hours wore on unnotedj midnight-was reached .ere 'the company, noted the ; time, and as it.wap Out of the question for the stranger to return to the metropolis that night he; Was prevailed upon, to spend the night where he was.; At breakfast the following morning Mr '->- — was concerned to note a strangeness ir his new made acquaintance's manner, and upon asking the cause learned that he had, passed an uneasy night. He had, he said, dreamed three times in succession that at a place which he minutely described, he had seen an old man bury three small bags of gold,, each of which was enclosed in an old preserve jar. The dream produced such an effect upon him that it had quite upset him, more especially as he believed that there was some meaning in the dream, which he was unable to unravel. Mr at once set his friend's mind at rest by telling him that he knew the spot, which was in a thickly-wooded gully not a quarter of a mile away. To satisfy the dreamer's curiosity, to say nothing of his own, a private visit was paid to the spot after breakfast, when to the amazement of both parties, the bags of precious metal were found precisely where they had been described as being by the dreamer. An examination beyond doubt proved the nature of the metal, and a rough estimate of its weight and fineness led the discoverers to appreciate their treasure's value at about £3500 to £4OOO. It was agreed that it should be divided equally between the finders, Mr being entrusted with the disposal of the metal. As the stranger, however, was in want of a trifle in the way of an advance, Mr handed him a cheque for £l5O, asking at the same time apologetically, whether that would meet his now doubly dear friend's requirements. It wss accepted with the same frankness as that with which it was offered, and town was reached in exultation, the parties separating till the afternoon, when they were to meet for a final adjustment of these joint ventures. The interesting stranger has not been seen since; the gold has, upon assay, proved to be spurious ; the letter of introduction is. proved to be a forgery, and Mr is anxious to find his friend, who, there is good reason to suspect is identical with the old man who buried the gold so wonderfully discovered by the dreamer. In a word, Mr has been the victim of one of the best-laid schemes successfully consummated in this colony.