Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1877-01-04
Change for q Bank Note.

evening. He was paying his last visit
10 Marian Gilbert, who was TO become
Marian Norton tomorrow.
As the two sat together in the twi-
light. murmuring delicious words Of loy
and hope, they were interrupted by the
entrance OF a servant with the announce
ment that two gentlemen wished to see
Mr.. Norton imme diately.
Tell them they must wait till another
time, said Archie; that am particn-
larly engaged at present.
but was to say, sir. If you please
that the business is very pressing, and
they must see you.
With an impatient gesture Archie
followed the servant into the passage.
where be found himself confronted by
two rough looking men.
MIR. Norton. ! supPose' as one OF
them accosied him.
Archie bowed assent. adding, with a
touch of haughtiness a request to be in
formed of the object Of their visit.
It's along O. that missing money, re-
piled the man, curtly.
II Is necessary to explain that packet
Of bank notes. brought by a depositor a
lew days before to the bank, in which
Archie Norton was a clerk, had disap-
pearrd mysteriously from the receiving
teIIer's desk, aud though the most thor
ough search had been made, no trace
was found Of the lost money.
Suspicion pointed astasaily 10 sSxse
Of the employees, but fastened upon no
particular one. All that could be done
under the circumstance was TO procure
a complete description OF the notes from
the depositor, who. fortunately, had pre-
served a memorandum OF their demon.
nations and numbers, and to keep strict
watch through all available channels,
with view to discovering by whom
any Of them might be put in circula-
tion.
The missing money! exclaimed Ar
chic; has any clew been gained of it ;
There has, the man answered, and
you're wanted right away.
Archie had been among the most
active in the effort to solve the mystery.
and expressed fis readiness to accom-
pany the visitors at once, and render
ali the aid IN his power, asking them
to wait till he should step in and ex-
cuse his absence.
Quite impossible, said the spokesman OF
the two, in a low dcgged tone, atthe same
time placing his hand on Arches arm
and leading him out Of ear-shot. Can't
sufier YOU out OF our sight. you see.
Can't suffer me out OF your sight,
No: seein' as you re our prisoner.
four-your prisoner Archie an
swered. stupefied with amazement.
Yes; and unless you want to make a
scene, rejoined the other; the best thing
you can do is to come along quietly.
But what Is the charge asked Ar.
chic, surely am not suspected
We don't suspect nothin interrupted
the officer: which that aren't our busi-
ness, which is only TO take your BODY.
Seeing further parley was useless,
withwhatcomposure he could conn and i.
Archie. after bidding the servant to ex-
plain to Miss Gilbert that urgent busi-
ness called him away, suddenly accom-
panied his custodians IN silence.
AT the police Office he learned that a
note which he paid out that evening had
been Unidentified as one OF those stolen
from the bank. which fact led to his ar
rest.
A search was then made Of the pris-
oner, in whose pocketbook was found
n number of bank notes. every one OF
which was proved, BY it's number and
other distinctive features. 10 beionv In
the missing packet.
Al this revelation Archie Norton
stood overwhelmed and speechless.-
The stunning force with v which the blow
had fallen bereft him Of all power to
make an explanation. il indeed, he had
any 10 offer.
Next morning I received a summons
from the prisoner. with whom | had
been on terms OF friendly intercourse,
and one OF whose wedding guests / was
TO be. found him in his cell. in q
hsif-dased, bewildered state.
Surely, said. you must be able to
account tor your possession Of the notes
found upon you.
Certainly | am, he answered; go,
them Yesterday from my uncle's exc
cutor, Mr.. Gordon, in payment of lc-
gacy. Iwas too much confused last
night to mention that.
Mr. Gordon is very methodical man
OF business, / replied, end may be able
to identify the notes he paid you. In
that case the affair will be easily cleared
up; for no onc will susPect Mr.. Gordon,