The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-02-28

81 began to feel little uneasy. 'Nev-
er do that again, Sam,' said. Il dare say
it's all right this time, but you mustn't let
anything go again without an order to show
| for it, if the owner doesn't come
"At that moment the same man appear
ed at the office window and called out :
"'I'll take the bag now, if you please
81 started-I couldn't help it. l had
been little uneasy before, but I tried to
answer coolly. QIe says it was my guilt
and effrontery.)
".'Your bag-why you sent for it, didn't
you?"
"'Sent for it ! 1 haven't seen it since l
gave it up. Good heavens, sir, there was
six thousand dollars in gold dust in that
bag"
"Wasn't that nice situation for me,
c? Iexplained as calmly as l could
to the excited man what had happened, but
there was no reasoning with him. He swore
and raved like madman, and darted away
to the captain, and Sam and the captain
believed us, but that didn't mend matters,
and assure you we had pretty squally
weather for time. The first thing knew,
along came police officer with warrant
to arrest Sam. was angry enough, espe-
cially when l saw the fright it gave the
poor fellow.
"Somehow mistrusted the carpet bag
and its owner, too. Who ever heard of
such cool proceedings as handing over
carpet bag with such sum of gold, and
never explaining its contents or charging us
to look to its security? believed it was
sham, trick to obtain money out of us,
and-you know what a hasty way have,
when once aroused-when the man grew
insolent and abusive, the first knew l had
him by the collar, giving him back his own
words about cheating, and warning him to
let Sam and me alone. 1t was not very
prudent course to pursue-they say it was
proof positive of my guilt-but / did it,
and now you see they've summoned us
both to trial. A pretty situation for Will
kins, who has been foolish enough to boast,
many time, about his unimpeachable hon
or and unsullied name. The disgraceful
charge will break my poor old fathers hon
est heart, if it reaches New England, al
though he will not question his sons inno-
cence.
"Well, well, wish could stop fretting.
1t must be ferretted out some way, and l
thought you would be the best man to do
it. have obtained bail for Sam and my
self, and shall keep on this trip of the
steamer, as the case wont be on until some
time after we arrive again. Now, then,
what do you say?"
had been listening sharply to this ram
bling recital, and trying to sum up the facts
of the case, so replied with another ques-
tion:
"You say a negro came for the bag p
Can Sam identify him?
"IIe thinks he can, although woolly heads
swear to. What plan are you driving at
in that cool head of yours? l began to
take courage. You know you are called
the sharpest Vigilance man in San Francis
co. o, c., only clear me out of this
scrape, and hang me if another carpet bag
goes out of my Office without witnesses
and printed order. What do you think?
Was the bag sham filled with stones to
make it heavy, or has Alden actually lost
the money!"
81 don't judge anything about it yet"
returned /, quietly. 81 should like to
hear him talking about it. Alden, you
say his name is? think can manage to
get glimpse of him. Don't mention your
coming for my assistance. Go with the
steamer as usual, and let people under
stand that Sam accompanies you. But if
you please, give him orders to stay ashore
and keep out of sight, and follow my di-
rections implicitly, even if it is to pack up
for Australia or Patagonia. I'll do the
best / can, and between Sam and me Wen
have some trace of the negro before you re-
! turn"
lie was looking, already, less woebegone.
GAN right. You shall have Sam, and if
you can only clear it up, wont grumble
at pretty heavy expenses. We are off to-
night, SO ] must say good-by. Do the best
you can, and success to your efforts" And
away he flew in the direction of the
wharves.
put on my coat and hat, took cigar
and fanciful cane, and went sauntering
down the street with the air of London
exquisite. At the door of the most fash
ionable hotel Of those days l paused, and
than raeoad into tIa raoJ;nn ,oo,,, ,,,I,ioI