The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1879-11-27
ell really stammered Clement,


angrily His demeanor brought the
blood in a flame to Clements face.
"There was no harm done, assure
you," he answered. "The door was
opened by mistake
"Tell him, Clement - tell him 1
opened it," whispered Dora.
"Worth while bringing man all the
way from Exchange Street for nothing!
That comes of opening the bank to
Tom, Dick and Harry! shall have to
lay it before the Board of Directors, |
SHALL, -
81 haven't the smallest objection"
said Clement; and while they returned
to the memorable pages of the past,
where here rose had been pressed, and
there sprig of mignonette, the pro-
cession moved into sight, the music
scared above them, the crowd surged
beneath; there was rhythm in the tread
of the marching feet, and the sun struck
sparks from the housings of the horses
and the points of bayonets. Cleverly,
on capering steed, looked up and
smiled on Dora, while dagggers shot from
beneath his brows as he recognized her
companion But every thing has an
end. The last bit of glitter and color
finally vanished down the long vista of
the street, and the band-music became
like the unreal melody of a dream.
They went and dined together after
ward, and stepped into picture gallery,
and said good-by at Aunt Hitty's gate,
since he expected to sail next morning
by sunrise, as first mate in the Vidette,
for Japan.
But next day he appeared again.
"The wind didn't serve,'' he explained !;
awe sha'n't get off till afternoon. Put
on your hat, Dora, and I'll row you out
to the Vidette, and you shall see how we
poor sailors fare" The day was like
crystal, the river coruscated with shift
ing lights, while the ship doomed up be-
fore them like some tabled sea-bird,
gigantic and mysterious. Every mo-
ment was full of elixir to Dora.
81 wish | was Captain, Dora," he
whispered, as they leaned over the side
of the Vidette, and looked into the
depths below, and at their own shadows
upon the surface, which threatened to
become one, as the ship swayed and the
Japan together
cit is long way; you might grow
tired of my companionship. Who are
those men coming up the side of the
ship, Clement? Do they belong to the
crew."
"They look like policemen. I suppose
that one of the sailors has made off with
out settling his bills.''
"No Clement, they are asking for
you.''
Nonsense! what can they want with
me?" Clement turned about, surprise
and perplexity giving him an involved
expression. He had the air of one
brought to bay.
"Mr. Clement Smithers?" said one of
the officers, approaching. 'sYou are sus-
pected of having tempered with the safe
of the Bank of Shekcls on the 18th of
June. 1t becomes my duty to detain
you for examination.
"What folly!" cried Clement, hotly.
" I can explain it all The lady who
was with me at the bank is my witness.
| can give my affidavit
"But you must come with me; them s
my ORDERS"
elbow do we know but the lady's
your accomplice, eh?' put in his COM
panion.
"But I am to sail in a couple of
hours" objected Clement.
cay, the ships to sail, but We'll give
you another sort of berth.''
"Tell them,'' gasped Dora" make
them understand that pulled the bell,
opened the door by mistake, for fun
+" Yes, we've heard that pretty story
before, but it won't bear washing. Per-
haps you took the bonds that are miss
ing, tool"
Clements heart stood still. care
there any bonds missingP'' he asked.
"Just as if you didn't know better'n
us! If the wind hadn't hauled round,
you'd got off splendid with 'em''
1t was all abroad and in the daily pa
pers by the following day; every body
was talking about it. Mr.. Clevarly
stepped into Aunt Hitty's to give the
latest particulars, and assure Dora that
she should not be annoyed. -
"But Clement is as innocent as You
are; it was Iwho opened the door, she
.za
" Nobody suspects you of taking the
bonds, child. You weren't about to sail
for foreign shores there's the rub. I'm
afraid you'll have to go into Court and
give testimony ssefa
8. You don't believe that Clement is
guiltyp" =
alt looks black for him. suspend my
6 But you believe me when assure
you that he never touched the safe?''
:" believe every word you utter. But
that will not convince the directors or
the Jury. limo bonds had been missing,
OF course opening the door would have
given no concern.n
:" It is SO unexpected, SO undeseryed!"
That must be proved
Mr.. Cleverly,n she asked one dav,
later, "what will they do if Clement is
is found-'' 80 Fs$
"Several years in the State-prison at
hard labor, believe
AS the time of his trial drew near.
every body spoke of Clement as one
already condemned. t.Poor misguided
fellow!" they said; and even Aunt Hitty
hoped he was supplied with tracts. In
The meantime it almost seemed as if
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