Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-02-13

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who was going abroad. The transaction
took place in the presence Of the partners
of the clearinghouse, Henry Macready,
and book-keeper named Luke Fame
The gold and diamonds were placed
along with the bank cask, in a strong fire.
proof Golfer, the key of which Macready
always kept about his person. The plate
was kept in separate Golfer.
The bank closed at the usual hour that
day but Macready remained in the Office
to balance the cash, which had been very
heavy. Some slight difficulty occurred
in his task. which he was unable 10 over
come; and he was one of those genuine
accountants to whom the fractional part
of farthing was rs dear, as the thou
sands of pounds which stood before it,
1t was day in the depth Of winter, and
the evening was far advanced before Ma
cready had found out his error. He push.
ed the book from him, and threw himself
back in his hig gh chair, in musing pos
ture, trying to recollect the various trans
actions of the day-at least so it may be
presumed-and at length wearied with
conjecture, fell fast asleep. When he
awoke, it was late, and strange glimmer
was in the apartment, as il from dark
lantern. He tried to move, but to his as.
tonishment and dismay, he found himself
tied to his seat with strong cords, in such
a manner that though he felt no conside-
rable pressure, to use his arms for any
purpose was impossible. He uttered an
angry exclamation, and in an instant two
men were at his side. One of them held
lantern in his hand, by the light of which
Macready perceived that their faces were
blackened. The man who held the Ian
tern desired him to be quiet.
"What do you want here, and why am
/ thus pinioned ?" said Macready, upon
whose mind the whole meaning of the
scene began to break.
BE quiet, and you shall know"
"I will not be silent--I will alarm the
house. Ho! Thieves Robbers!" shouted
the poor cashier, as he writhed upon his
chair, and in all the agony of constraint.
"Another shout, and you die" said the
second burglar, advancing closer to him
.11Ie urawIng a pistol from his coat pocket
"That is the voice of Luke Fane-I
know you now; l comprehend your vii.
lainy."
eff you do, then deliver your keys, and
let us despatch the business"
Macready again shouted with redoublcd
energy.
a pause ensued. No one came to his
assistance from the house, and the street
outside seemed to be quite deserted.
"Since you know me" said Luke,
"know also that shouting will avail you
nothing, for have contrived to send your
wife and servants out of the way"
Monster! is it thus you repay the
kindness of your employer 2" said the
confidential clerk.
"Listen to me-" said Luke, "tell me
where the key of yonder Golfer is-tell
me quickly-.I am playing desperate
game, and will not be triiled with"
Macready had the key suspended from
his neck within his vest; STOPPING sudden
ly over the cords which crossed the chair
in front, he contrived to bring it within
the grasp of his pinioncd right hand
Luke observed the motion, and guessed
the object.
"Give me that key" said Luke.
"Never but with my lile," returned the
chashier.
Another pause ensued, and then the
two men fell at once upon Macrcady, and
struggled to force the key from him, but
the energy with which the faithful clerk
held it, rendered it impossible for the rob-
bers to effect their purpose without undo
ing the cords which secured their prisoner.
"I will cut your fingers from above it,
if You do not yield the key quickly"
muttered Luke between his grinding teeth,
as he relinquished the attempt.
Fame an Macready looked at each
other sternly, when the struggle ceased.
At length the latter spoke again.
"Can this be possible! Is this no
dream Is Luke Fame indeed become a
breaker and murderer and are his
victims the men whose bread he has eaten
for so many years, and the fellow-clerk
who was once his best Of friends? For
shame Luke Give up this insane at
tempt; release me, and depart, and take
leisure to repent of this foul crime"
81 cannot, even if you promised secre-
cy, which know you too well to hope
for. have gone too far-too far" re.
peated Fame, striking his forehead, and
adding, merrily, ono more preaching, if
you please, but deliver the key at once or
you are dead man."
"Never, while have life"
al would not willingly have your blood
upon my head-I would spare you for the
sake of old times. Resign the key?'
"Never!'
"Think of your wife and child"
Margaret wife dear wife! why
do you not bring me aid?" shrieked the
miserable man as he twisted and strug-
eled in his bonds like one impaled.
"Dispatch him." said the man who held
the flight, cor we shall be discovered"
! "Once, more the keyp said Fame, as