Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 76A.djvu/265

–169– -169baggage and property under the conditions prescribed by sections 1806-1809 of this title relating to warehousemen. § 1872. Unclaimed baggage; sale at auction When a trunk, carpetbag, valise, box, bundle, or other baggage comes into the possession of the keeper of a hotel, inn, or boarding or lodginghouse, and remains unclaimed for a period of three months, he may sell it under the conditions prescribed by sections 1806-1809 of this title relating to warehousemen. Subchapter VI—Finding § 1891. Obligation of finder One who finds a thing lost is not bound to take charge of it, but if he does so he is thenceforward a depositary for the owner, with the rights and obligations of a depositary for hire. § 1892. Notice of finding of things or saving of animals; restitution If the finder of a thing, other than a domestic animal, takes possession thereof, or if a person saves such an animal from drowning or starvation, he shall, within a reasonable time, inform the owner thereof, if known, and make restitution to him upon demand, without compensation, except a reasonable charge for saving and caring therefor. If the finder or saver does not know the owner, he shall, within five days, file an affidavit with the magistrate of the subdivision in which the finding or saving took place, particularly describing the property and the time, place, and circumstances under which it was found or saved. § 1893. Proof of ownership The finder of a thing may, in good faith, before giving it up, require reasonable proof of ownership from a person claiming it. § 1894. Reward and compensation to finder The finder of a thing is entitled to compensation for all expenses necessarily incurred by him in its preservation, and for any other service necessarily performed by him about it, and to a reasonable reward for keeping it. § 1895. Storage of thing found The finder of a thing may exonerate himself from liability at any time by placing it on storage with any responsible person of good character, at a reasonable expense. § 1896. Sale by finder The finder of a thing which is commonly the subject of sale, may sell it when the owner cannot, with reasonable diligence, be found, or being found, refuses upon demand to pay the lawful charges of the finder, and when: (1) the thing is in danger of perishing or of losing the greater part,of its value; or (2) the lawful charges of the finder amount to two thirds of its value. § 1897. Manner of sale A sale pursuant to section 1896 of this title shall be made in the same manner as the sale of a thing pledged. § 1898. Vesting of property in finder If an owner does not appear within six months after the finding or saving and offer reasonable proof of his ownership, and compensates,

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