"Leave me alone, I am too happy. Read the letter--read it!"

He did. He devoured it, his brain reeling. The letter was from a
distant State, and it said:

"I am a stranger to you, but no matter: I have something to tell. I
have just arrived home from Mexico, and learned about that episode. Of
course you do not know who made that remark, but I know, and I am the
only person living who does know. It was GOODSON. I knew him well,
many years ago. I passed through your village that very night, and
was his guest till the midnight train came along. I overheard him
make that remark to the stranger in the dark--it was in Hale Alley. He
and I talked of it the rest of the way home, and while smoking in his
house. He mentioned many of your villagers in the course of his
talk--most of them in a very uncomplimentary way, but two or three
favourably: among these latter yourself. I say 'favourably'--nothing
stronger. I remember his saying he did not actually LIKE any person
in the town--not one; but that you--I THINK he said you--am almost
sure--had done him a very great service once, possibly without knowing
the full value of it, and he wished he had a fortune, he would leave
it to you when he died, and a curse apiece for the rest of the
citizens. Now, then, if it was you that did him that service, you are
his legitimate heir, and entitled to the sack of gold. I know that I
can trust to your honour and honesty, for in a citizen of Hadleyburg
these virtues are an unfailing inheritance, and so I am going to
reveal to you the remark, well satisfied that if you are not the right
man you will seek and find the right one and see that poor Goodson's
debt of gratitude for the service referred to is paid. This is the
remark 'YOU ARE FAR FROM BEING A BAD MAN: GO, AND REFORM.'