From thenceforth he watched the interests of his
tenants, and soon found that in promoting their welfare, and instructing
them in their duties, he was more his own benefactor than theirs.
Before many years had elapsed, his property was wonderfully improved;
he himself was called the "Lucky Landlord," "bekase," said the people,
"ever since he spoke to, an' advised his tenants, we find that it's
lucky to live undher him. The people has heart to work wid a gintleman
that won't grind thim; an' so sign's on it, every one thrives upon his
land: an' dang my bones, but I believe a rotten stick 'ud grow on it,
set in case it was thried."
In sooth, his popularity became proverbial; but it is probable, that not
even his justice and humanity contributed so much to this, as the
vigor with which he prosecuted his suit against "Yellow Sam," whom he
compelled literally to "disgorge" the fruits of his heartless extortion.
This worthy agent died soon after his disgrace, without any legitimate
issue; and his property, which amounted to about fifty thousand pounds,
is now inherited by a gentleman of the strictest honor and integrity. To
this day his memory is detested by the people, who, with that bitterness
by which they stigmatized a villain, have erected him into a standard
of dishonesty. If a man become remarkable for want of principle, they
usually say--"he's as great a rogue as Yallow Sam;" or, "he is the
greatest sconce that ever was in the country, barrin' Yallow Sam.
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