Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-12-17

Very minutelY did | examine and try
the drawer, which had already been tam.
pered with. as knew it contained beside
stamps large SUN OF gold and notes.
Not was firm and safe, and would take
"a deal o. work" as Bennett remarked,
holding his taper close to his lock. Lance,
too had good look at it aud expressed
ne ssme Ssgscious opinion.
Or first isit ended-and l was ex-
pected to patrol at least three times iu
tho day-lho two rorters went down to
breakfast, aud | adjourned to the mau-
ager's room. leaving the door partly
open, so as to be able to see all around
the bank. | lit cigar and prepared to
stay the two hours Intervening between
the cessation of chm ch bells and luncheon
time. Suddenly old Lance appeared
again at the halt open door and spoke in
this wise:
'Selse me, sir, but I've been pleace-
man. snt don't think ihat locks all
right"
(which lock, Lance ?" saidI.
That there draw with the stamps, sir. y
well, lot US look again.
So saying. We both went TO the counter
which contained the drawer. and Lance
pointed out eome small scratches on the
lock and light indentalion in the wood
work surrounding l..
That's chisel, il die Tor it" said
the eV- policeman.
by Jove! You don't mean it,"
Sure of ii, sir"
"Well, let's have Bennett up stairs,
and hear what he thinks of it."
Angry at being disturbed at his break
tasi, the head porter came grumbling to
where stood, and, bending down to tho
lock, impatiently inquired if it was not u
deal more likely the cashier had scratched
il in the course OF business. After lew
minutes iurther inspection, he looked up
with knowing smile.
Il believe Lance is right now; it looks
80 fresh. l shouldn't wonder il the watch
man knew something about this"
Perhaps so" said l; what DO you
think, Lance ?"
We'll no looks honest onough-but
looks amt always guide" said the
man, quietly.
Then I'll stop in the bank tonight.
and see if can trap my gentleman" e1-
claimed Bennett. 1T YOU! leave me the
key.'
II can't do that" | replied, "but |
shall report the fact to the manager the
the first thing in the morning"
"As you ike. SIR" he sssented re-
iuctart.y, and lhey bo;h rcJUrnod 10 their
long neglected meal.
Again re,Teaiod into my den, this
sine With the consciousness OF having
something to relate on tho morrow. One
nay, two cigars did consume down to
tho last hall inch, read BgleS on BtH'
nearly all through. tor want OF more
cheerful literature, and | am afraid tiny
doze must have ensued, for | was swak-
ened by Bennelt's voice asking what
would take tor lunch. While he was
gone, made my second round. finding
everything peaceful. Eventually re-
I turned TO my room and found u succulent
chop smoking on the table, 1suked 10y a
cup OF coffee, which, on tasting. found
rather peCGhar fancied | could
detect peculiar aroma which seemed TO
make It more than ordinarily palata le
But thoroughly enjoyed the repast. nd
when al intensely slumbero IS sensation
crep: through my veins, my strongest
effort of will proved insufficient to Keep
we awake. While was still struggling
with the impulse, Lance came to inform
me he WAS going out 10 dine at hi, home
close by, while Bennett was left on guard
below. As he closed the door behind
him. my eyes shut. and Tell asleep. but
only in O few moments to be awakened
! by his voice addressing me again.
Il don't think I'll 60 out to dinner.
sir, " said he. gazing ct me with n strange
expression.
"Whv not p ouolb | droVsilv
"Well, sir. Pm not feeling very bright
to-day, and Id rather stop indoors; and
ii you'd he so kind as not to mention to
Bennett as I've come back. But YOU
dont look very well yourself. sir, just
uow.n
Lance, that stout has made me most
contoundedly sleepy
"Well, have a bit OF nap, sir. I'll
see the place is all right-only don't
wapt Bennett to know am here"
"All right, all right" | replied, rather
shortly, for l wanted TO ba lott to myself
yet was somewhat surprised at his wish
for concealment in SO trivial a matter.
Again saw the man pass out and close
the door, and once more drifted into o
heavy but pleasant slumber. Soon was
denizon OF dresmland, and sharer in
its grotesquc and fantastic imaginings.
thought / was clinging to the telegraph
wires that stretch like webs over London,
and WAS performing thereon athletic