The Banker and the Brass Brick

It is rather a wild story, with some earmarks of truth about it, that was printed in Monday's Oregonian about an 'Aberdeen banker.' So far we have been unable to get any of the bankers to 'fess up.' The story runs as follows: Several days ago a stranger called at the bank, and producing a bar of metal, apparently gold, stated that he had secured it from an Indian and wished to dispose of it. He had no idea of its value and wanted the banker's idea on that point. The financier chipped off a piece and had it assayed. 'Worth $35,000,' was the report made. Then the banker decided to do a little shrewd piece of business. He offered the fellow $5,000 for his brick, and after some hesitation the sum was accepted and the stranger departed, leaving the banker overwhelmed with satisfaction at his little streak of fine financiering. The brick was sent to a broker to be disposed of, and a few days later the banker received notification that he was the possessor of a first-class sample of brass. Now he wants to punish the fellow who 'worked' him.