Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1862-11-15

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saw that he wanted to believe me.
asked him If he had spoken to any one
else. Not to living sosI but me, he replied.
I poudered few moments, and then sasd (:
"Mr. Wharton, could be made to believe,
that even ignorantly. had wrongsd you to
the amount 0f dollar, should not feel the
perfect consciousness Of honor now feel.
There must b. thief somewhere. Some Of
the clerks may end access 70 the money.
But are you willing to let the matter rest for
a few days. l will strain every nerve 10 de-
tect the evil doer.'
He finally consented to let me try my hand
at detecting the thief. He promised not to
lisp syllable upon the subject to any ono
else, and also leave the matter wholly in my
hands for one week. He gave me a warm
grasp when we separated, and said hs hoped
l would succeed.
On the following morning I entered the
store with all my energies Of mind centered on
the work before me.
| There were four clerks or statesmen and
one boy in constant attendance, besides my
self, and all money 10, ,eived had to pass
through my hands. Sometimes made up
my cash account at night, aud sometimes not
till next morning.
In the latter case generally put the money
drawer into the safe and locked it up. The
key Of this safe was kept in small drawer,
to which there was two keys, one Of which
Mr.. Wharton kept. and the other.
The only other person who helped US in
the store was Henry Wharton, my employers
only son. youth near twenty years Of age.
He was preparing for college under private
tutor, but found time to help rs when bust
ness was driving He was q kind hearted,
generous fellow, and strong mutual attach.
ment had grown up between us.
At first thought of getting him to help
find the thief. but 40 Wharton had promised
to speak to no one else upon the subject. /
concluded to keep silent also.
That night / counted my money, but made
no entry On the account book. There was
S340. l put it in new calf skin pocket book
put that in the money drawer, and locked
thu whole up in the safe.
On the following morning found $50 mis-
sing. counted tho money over carefully.
and was not mistaken. began to feel UNI
pleasantly. My suspicious took very I'm.
| welcome turn.
During that day pondered upon the sub.
ject and finally bit upon the following exper-
iinent:
When I had locked up for the night, l
spread upon the knob of the door and upon
the money drawer, some pale red lead. being
careful not to get enough on to be easily no.
tis-d. had left the cash account open to be
closed up in the morning. When next
opened the safe all was there as had left it.
The next night I fixed the knob in the
same manner. and on the morning following
found $40 gone. Upon the pocket book
were finger marks of red lead and when
had learned one thing-ths thief knew
enough to see whether any account had been
made Of the money before. he took it. felt
more unpleasant than before, for my uuwel.
come suspicious were being confirmed. There
w.: . prculiarity 10 the red finger marks
which told me sad story. Still ! wished to
try further. n.
For two nights after this, the safe remained
undisturbed. but on the third night missed
SIS, and had now set my trap more carefully.
The red pigment was not only used. but !
had pdt private mark upon every bill in the
drawer. The pocket book and cash book
were fingered q before. and the marks were
clear and distinct.
"Ah!" said he. ~ hs noticed the sorrow.
ful expression Of my countsnancs. "you have
failed to discover anything"
"Alas, ! wish could say sol" replied.
Il" have discovered too much. In the fret
place the money has been taken from the safe.
and the key LIFT in ito proper drawer. and
locked up AZ usual. Also, thu cash book has
been examined zach time to ses il any entry
had besn made Of the money. There has
been Sl65 taken in all.
"But how do you know the cash book has
been sxaminedi" he asked.
IL will show you." said. producing both
sss those rcd marksl l fixed rcd pigment
upon the door knob Of the safs, and also upon
thu edge Of the money drawer: You see those
finger marksr
SYes!" hs whispered.
"And now" continued. just examine them
carefully. See how the leaves Of the cash
book were turned over. and also see how the
strap Of the pocket book was tucked into it's
place. d. you sss nothing peculiar about it Z"
"Only that the finger marks are very
plain"
.But cannot you Distinguish tie thumb
marks from those made BY tho 6ngszs,
"Yes, can"
"Tell me this." returned. (Which hand
did tho thief use most dsxtrously in the
work 7"
Wharton gased upon the marks and finally
gaspsd .The lstt."
$50 he did," returned; and all the marks
have been made the same The thief 10 a
left handed one, and is acquainted with the
store and the books aud gains eaay access
here. And have yet another marx. The
lat bilk that were taken were all Of them