The Secret in the Express Office

Every one connected with the express company knew the burly, broad-shouldered, sullen-featured person who bore the sobriquet 'Big Express Charley.' Years ago he had entered the company's service, and by dogged attention to his duties he had raised himself from the laborious position of truckman to the examiner of unclaimed express packages. Charley's antecedents remained a deep mystery. His grim appearance and sulky disposition did not invite familiarity, and it was an office axiom that Charley was never seen to smile. It was just before the yearly sale of unclaimed packages, and Charley, more sullen than usual, was carefully opening and examining each package. He had taken in his hand a small package securely wrapped in heavy paper, and as he roughly opened it the contents rolled on the table, exposing a tiny curl of golden hair, a pair of child's shoes, and a dainty golden locket. Tenderly the rough hands seized the golden curl, passionately it was pressed to the rough lips, and to the surprise of his fellow workmen, the frame of the strong man shook with a convulsive tremor, his eyes filled with tears, and, burying his head in his hands, he gave vent to sobs that moved each man to pity. The days that followed saw 'Big Charley' a changed man; his morose and sullen disposition had given place to one of kindness. His fellow workmen often tell the story and bless the day that 'Big Charley' found the tiny golden curl in an 'Unclaimed Express Package.'