Section 286. Surplus to be paid to owner

Such express company, or person
  engaged in the express business, shall make an entry of the  balance  of
  the  proceeds  of  the  sale,  if  any,  of each article, goods or thing
  directed to the same person, as near as can be ascertained, and  at  any
  time  within five years thereafter, shall refund any surplus so retained
  to the owner of such article, goods or thing, his heirs or  assigns,  on
  satisfactory proof of such ownership.