Rabbi Shalom Schwadron told over the following story that he heard from Rabbi Eliya Lopian, that heard it from Rabbi Hirsch who heard it from Rabbi Simcha Zissel (the Alter of Kelm), who heard it from Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, who heard it from Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin.
In Yeshivas Volozhin there were boys studying in the Beis Hamidrash around the clock, day and night. The Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Chaim Volozhiner would also come into the Beis Hamidrash late at night to check on the boys.
In the Yeshiva of Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin there was a bachur who sadly passed away. One night, after midnight during the week of Shiva for this boy, the Rosh Yeshiva walked towards the Beis Hamedrash and was taken aback to see this young student who had passed away just days ago standing in front of him.
The Rosh Yeshiva asked the boy what he was doing here?
The boy answered that he had come to ask the Rosh Yeshiva for a favor.
The Rosh Yeshiva asked him how he can help?
The boy explained and said, “when I arrived in Heaven the gates were opened for me. Many Malaachim called out, “the Tzaddik should come and rest in his resting place.” I was treated with great respect. But when I arrived at the gates of Gan Eden a Malaach stood there and did not allow me to enter. When I asked him why, he replied because I have the sin of theft.
What theft?
Once I was on my way home from Yeshiva to my house and I was at the train station and I remembered that I owed the woman where I stayed a small sum of seven groshen (seven pennies). I was accompanied to the station by a friend. So I took out the seven groshen and gave it to my friend to pass on to the lady. But my good friend forgot and the money was never given over. So I since I owe this money to the lady I was denied entry to Gan Eden. I tried to explain that it wasn’t my fault but in never helped. However since it wasn’t my fault I was granted permission to come back down and correct the matter. So I ask the Rosh Yeshiva to help me out.”
The Rosh Yeshiva asked exactly who he owed the money to and assured him he would take care of it. He then wished the boy, “go in peace and rest in peace.” And the boy disappeared.
