§ 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.