The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1875-09-09
THE !: D|EFAULTER. ]'.l| !! j :.
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IAN owRE TRUE TALL" "
:
CHAPTER vi.

:; CONCLUDED FROM LAST WEEK.
> Now, according to the practice Of
the regular drama, which processes to
represent the greater stage Of the
world, whenever a robber, murderer
or traitor has escaped, it is a rule fol
the theatrical policemen, constables
runners, guards, alguazils, sbirri, OF
gendarmes, to assemble and agree to
act IN Concert,-that is to say, by
singing in chorus that the villain has
bolted, and musically exhorting each
other to follow, follow, fol.de-rol-de'
rol-O p without a moments delay
An arrangement perhaps conducive
to dramatic convenience and stage
effect; but certainly quite inconsistent
with the usages of real life or the die
tates of common or uncommon sense
Messrs. Grimble, Phipps, and
Trent, however, were not theatrical
50 instead ofjoining in trio or q
catch, they first held a consultation
and then proceeded in a body to the
Secretary, to whom they described the
singular behavior of Mr.. Pryme.
Every singular, indeed" said the
Secretary: II observed it myself
and inquired if he was in good health
No,-yes,-no. And Mrs. Pryme
Yes,-no,-yes. In short, he did
not seem to know what he was say.
ing"
''Or doing,'' put in Mr.. Trent
"He threw a shovel of Goals into the
iron safe.''
"With other acts,' added Mr.
Grimble," the reverse of official"
"Tell him at once," whispered Mr.
Trent. -.
"In short, SIR" said Mr.. Grimble,
with most sepulchral tone, and the
face of an undertaken, II am sorry
deeply sorry and concerned to say
that Mr.. Pryme has suddenly depart
ed"
"Indeed! But he was just the sort
Of man to do it." >.
The three clerks stared at each
other, for they had all thought ex'
actly the reverse of the little bald
ford, ex-cashier. =,
" "Short-necked, sanguine, and Of
full habit, you know" continued the
Secretary. "Poor fellow I"
II am sorry, deeply sorry and con
cerned to say" repeated Mr.. Grim
BILE, "that I mean he has absconded." !"
"The Devil he hasl' exclaimed
the Secretary, at once jumping TO hi
feet, and instinctively buttoning W
his:pockets, "but no,-it's impossibler
and he looked towards Trent ant
Phipps for confirmation.
"It's a true bill, SIR" said the first
"he has bolted sure enough" 80
The other only shook his head.
"It's incrediblep' said the Secre
tary. "Why, he was as steady as .
quaker, and as correct as clock-work
MIR. Grimble, have you inspected hi
books 2"
II have, sirl'
"Well, sir?"
AT present, sir, all appears cor
rect. But as the accounts are KEEP
in this Office it is easier to EN- bezzl'
than to detect any defalcation."
"Humph !! I do not think we ar
worse in that respect than other pub
lie Offices! Then. if I understand
you, there is no distinct evidence Q
fraud p
"None whatever, SIR" replied MI
Phipps. -.~ @.:,
Except his absconding," adde'
Mr.. Grimble. :, i.'
well, gentlemen, we will wait til
ten o'clock tomorrow morning, an
then if Mr.. -Pryme does not max
his appearance we shall know how t
act." y .:s5>- ss::43. H. ."> .
The three clerks made three bow
and retired, severally pleased, di,
pleased, and Indifferent at the resu]
of their audience. -, ,..'S -'st~5 .
eve may wait for him." grumble
Mr.. Grimble, "till ten o'clock o
doomsday.'' l. 5@ v~~s>.@ ..>- ~.
Il At this moment the door reopenet
and the Secretary put out his head.
"Gentlemen, / need not recommen
to you to confine this matter, for Il
present, to your own bosomsl" !" Gs<