Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1876-04-01

A thambersburg sensation.

winch has thrown the entire commu-
nifty into a flutter of excitement.
Some months since rather fine
looking, though pale and delicate
gentleman, accompanied by lady
whom lie claimed to be his wife, ar
rived ia that town. He gave his
name as Rawlins, said he was from
Louisiana, and had served us a Ma
jor in the famous regiment of Louis
lama Tigers during the war, and
represented that he was travelling for
his health, and being favorably i'm
pressed with the town and the
people of Clambersburg, proposed to
sojourn among them for Il season.
He was a man of pleasing address
and sprightly intelligence, and his
wife lady of culture and refine
ment. They took rooms at Il hotel,
and it was not long until they be-
came acquainted with the best peo-
pie in the place. The addition of
two such estimable people to the So
ciety If Chambersburg was looked
upon with favor, and Major and
Mrs. RaWlins were invited out on all
occasions of social gatherings. The
Major appeared to be gentleman
of ample means. He deposited con-
siderable sums Of money in the bank
and checked it out for various pur-
poses. He became intimately ac
quainted with Mr.. Smith, President
Of the Chambersburg Bank and his
family, and the Major and Mrs.
Rawlins were frequent visitors
at the hospitable residence OF the
Bank President The bank room
and the residence Of the President
are in the same building. Major
RaWlins was so much pleased with
Chambersburg and its hospitable
people, the climate and surrounding
country, that he gave out his inten-
ton of locating permanently in the
neighborhood. He would buy farm
as soon as one that suited him was
for sale. The people of Chambers
burg were of course elated over the
prospect of having such excellent
people locate among them perma-
nently. AT last an opportunity for
purchasing the desired farm present.
ed itself. A fine farm in the neigh
borhood was advertised to be sold on
March 18th, and Major Rawlins ex-
pressed his purpose to buy it. The
sale was to take place Saturday last.
But in the meantime another actor
appears on the stage to play his part
in the drama which the willy Major
RaWlins had been preparing for
months past. A week or ten days
ago stranger stepped off the train
at Chambersburg. This was no UNI
usual occurrence. The stranger who
was fine looking and handsomely
attired, stopped at the same house
where Major and Mrs. RaWlins were
boarding. 1t happened that this
stanger was an old and warm per-
sonal friend of the Major and his
lady. How glad they were to see
each other-and SO unexpected. Had
not met for years before. OF course,
the stranger was pressed to remain
with them a while, and reluctantly
(?) consented. The Major took great
pleasure in introducing his friend to
his own acquaintance. He, too,
like his friend, the Major, wasa man
of means. He was travelling for
pleasure, and it would be no incon-
Venience for him to remain few
days with the Major. The Major
and his friend were constantly to-
gether. On one occasion they took
short trip on the railroad. When
the conductor came around to collect
his fare, the Majors friend offered
him a 500 bill-the smallest he had.
The conductor could not change it,
and the Major paid the fare of both.
OF course, a man who handled no
notes of less denomination than
800 must have plenty of money. All
this as preliminary. Now for the
denouement.
AS before mentioned, the farm
which the Major proposed to pur-
chase, was to be sold on Saturday
last, the 25th. On Friday night the
Major called at the residence of Mr..
Smith, the President of the
bank. He was kindly receiv-
ed, and remained in pleas
ant conversation until about
half past nine O'Clock. AT 10 O'Clock
the Bank Waterman goes on duty.
Rawlins of course was aware of this,
and must accomplished his pur-
purpose before that hour. He arose
to depart, and then, as if just hap
pening to think of it, he said to the
Bank President that he had pack
age of $4,000 which he had received
that day, and neglected to deposit,
and it would be great accommoda-
ton if the President would receive
it and place it in the vault, as he did
not care to risk keeping it over night.
This reminded the President that he
also had a package of $50, 900, which
he was going to put into the vault,
o..l +ba Motor could ctap into +1o