The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg - Summary

“The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg” is about a town, Hadleyburg, that is known throughout the land for its unmatched honesty. This virtue was so important to the citizens of Hadleyburg that it was taught to the children beginning at birth and principles continually taught throughout each person's life.   The citizens were indeed honest but they were very pious and haughty in their self-proclaimed goodness.
Unbeknown to the people of Hadleyburg, a stranger passing through the town, was greatly offended by their uncaring posture towards strangers.   For the following year after his visit, he wanted to get revenge on not just one person of the town, but he wanted revenge on the whole community and   ruin its upstanding reputation.   He pondered his plan …. finally creating one that he felt was certain to ruin the entire town.
His extensive scheme centered around a sack of gold and the contents of a letter.   He first arrived late at night on the door step of the Richards home and delivered the sack to Mrs. Richards.   He said that he was leaving and returning to his country and knew the honesty of the town and wanted the contents delivered to its rightful owner.   He knew that Mr. and Mrs. Richards were upstanding citizens and would do what was right in getting the sack to the appropriate person. In the letter, he said, “I was a gambler. ... I arrived in this village at night, hungry and without a penny.   I asked for help.   … I begged of the right man.   He gave me twenty dollars.   He also gave me fortune; for out of that money I have made myself rich at the gaming-table. … Now I have no idea who that man was, but I want him found, and I want him to have this money.   … I would find him myself; but no matter, he will be found.   This is an honest town, an incorruptible town, and I know I can trust it without fear.   This man can be identified by the remark he made to me; I feel persuaded that he will remember it.”
Mr. and Mrs. Richards pondered on who might be the rightful...