Honest Cabbie As Hero Myth

I don’t know what you should feel more embarrassed about — that you left 31 expensive diamond rings in a cab or that you left 31 expensive diamond rings in a cab and you only tipped the driver 30 cents:

Chowdhury Osman is one gem of a cabbie.
Not only did the Queens taxi driver graciously accept a passenger’s 30-cent tip on a nearly $11 ride, but hours later he tracked her down and returned the black travel bag she left in the cab’s trunk.

It contained two small display cases with 31 diamond rings tucked inside.

. . .

The woman, who said she was a jeweler, wanted to give Osman, an emigrant from Bangladesh, a handsome reward. He grudgingly accepted $100 as compensation for the income he didn’t make picking up passengers because he was on his mission to do the right thing.

“When I find something left in my cab, and I can return it to the owner, I feel very happy. I feel proud,” he said.

Osman drove the jeweler from the Hilton New York to an E. 35th St. apartment building Monday night. The fare was $10.70. She gave him a $20 and asked for $9 back.

He took the three-dime tip in stride.

You never know what’s in people’s minds or purses, he said, explaining his thinking. They might be distracted. They might be broke. Besides, most passengers tip well, he said.