Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-04-28
MY NARROW ESCAPE.

I never told anybody how very, very
near was to death that night, just year
ago; but as can now look and calmly
recall each thought, each word. each act,
l think l will write it down as warning
to all who may find themselves similarly
circumstanced. hoping, with all my heart,
that the number may be few.
In the first place, my name is Frede-
rick Putnam. am, and have been for
the last ten years, the foreman and book
keeper of the large numbering establish
ment Of William Winston & Co., and
hope to be for another decade, unless
something better turns up. Mr. Winston
is the resident partner and manager of
the manufacturing part Of the business,
The other members of the firm, of which
there are two, live in the city, at the foot
of the lake. and attened to the sales of
Lumber, which we send them by vessels.
This is by far the largest share of what
the mill cuts, although the amount of
our sales directly from the mill, to supply
the countr! to the west of US, is quite
large.
Well, one cold December evening, Just
as l was preparing foa home, I heard foot
steps on the creaking snow outside, and
presently the Office door flew open, as
though some one in haste had given it a
push, admitting tall. stout, well dressed
man, with small traveling-bag in one
hand and shawl thrown over one arm.
was alone, Mr.. Winston having gone
to the house some half an hour before,
locking the safe, in which we kept our
books and papers, and taking the key
with him, as usual.
had already closed the damper to
the stove, put on my overcoat, and was
just in the act of turning down the lamp
but of course waited.
"Good evening, SIR" said the man. bust.
ling up to the stove, and kicking the
damper open with his right foot. "Has
Winston gone to the house7"
answered that he had.
"Wheu? l was afraid Of it,
He drew out his watch-a very fine
one, thought.
II shall not have time to go up,' he
said. s'The train is due in fifteen min
utes''
Ills there anything I can do?' I
asked.
II wanted to leave some money with
Winston. intended to stop in town
day or two, but have just got dispatch
that calls me home"
"What name, sir?"
Anderson, of Andersonville.
knew him then, though I had seen
him but once before. He had been one
Of hook I, =
been. for the reason that during the past
year his payments had not been SO prompt
In fact, he was considerably behind. and
Winston had that very day told me to
write him, and ''punch him up a little"
as he expressed it. The letter was then
in the breast. pocket of my overcoat.
"You can leave the money with me,
sir, and will give receipt"
He seemed to hesitate, which nettled
me somewhat. I have never blamed any
body since, however.
How much is my bill2' he asked,
cycling me sharply.
Unanswered promptly, for had struck
the balance not more than half an hour
before:
Eleven thousand seven hundred and
nifty dollars and twenty three cents"
Humph! less than I supposed. Write
GU; a receipt fer that amount"
He left the stove and came and looked
over my shoulder while I wrote,
1T is all right, Mr.. Putnam. I know
you now. You've been with Winston a
long time. can tell your signature
anywhere"
he drew from an inside pocket large
black wallet, very round and full, and
counting out eleven different piles of
bank notes, he told me to run them over.
TWAS short and easy task, for each pile
contained just ten one hundred dollar
bills.
The ballence was in fves, tens and
twenties, and it took more time to count
them; but at last we got it so that both
were satisfied.
At this moment we heard the whistle
for the station. Anderson sprang for his
travelling. bag, and, giving me hasty
nd-snake, was off on the run.
closed the door and counted the
money again. Finding it all right, I