The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1882-12-28

haggard and careworn look.
Everything but what was in the
safe, and what is worst of all, num-
Der of hundred dollars and a lot of
stamps which was positive l put in
the safe could not be found, and must
have burned with the building. Some
books also cannot be found containing
accounts and returns to the department
at Washington"
There was astrange, half-frightened
look on Allan Gray's face as he ceased
speaking that caused Kitty to ask
quietly:
"They didn't accuse you of taking
Or"
"No, no." he interrupted hastily,
his fair face tinged with color and his
sensitive lip quivered for an instant /;
"Major Wynn could not have treated
me better if / had been his own son.
He says the deficiency caused by the
+ fire will have to be allowed by special
act of Congress. But what troubles
me is the fact that / remember so dis
tinctly of seeing the money and other
valuables in the safe.'
He turned wearily away to wait
upon an applicant, after which he re-
sumed his story to Kitty who had
stood silently meantime II wanted to
resign my clerkship, but the major
wouldn't listen to it. He said it was
only mistake, and that they would
occur if all possible precautions were
taken. l insisted upon leaving at first,
/ was so positive that 1 had put the
things in the safe, but he said some
might cast suspicion of wrongdoing
upon me if 1 did, and so 1 staid."
Kitty made no comments. She learned
that Major Wynne had taken the safe
to his house as soon as it could be
cooled sufficiently, but, beyond the fact
that he had declared that no money or
stamps were found upon opening it,
she could learn nothing. She finished
her school in district No. s, rested a
few weeks, and took up her duties
again in village school-room to teach
the spring term.
\ strangely sober, almost somber
mood had fallen upon Kitty. Her in
cipient Irritation or embryo courtship
with Allan Gray was to all appear
ances at a standstill. Though the
young couple did not avoid each other,
yet there was certain reserve in their
conduct not calculated TO ripen friend
ship into warmer feeling. The post
office had not been consigned to
permanent quarters, nor would it be
till the late summer or early fall,
though apartments sufficiently COM
mOdious had been secured for the sum-
mer.
The days had scarcely reached their
greatest length when another stir of
excitement rippled through the current
of life in Unionville. A detective
from Washington had appeared in the
village to investigate matters at the
postoflice. Strange rumors foated
upon the air, and Allan Gray and Major
Wynne became objects of much
curiosity to persons at all tainted with
gossipy propensities.
Nothing could be learned definitely
only that heavy deficiency was laid
at the door of the Unionville postoffice,
which Major Wynne declared could be
accounted for by the fire of theprevious
winter, though matters since that date
did not appear satisfactory to the
government official sent to investigate
the affair. Letters containing small
sums Of money were claimed to have
been lost, and discrepancies in the
accounts were ferreted out, and now
both the major and young Gray wore
haggard faces and walked with un-
certain step. But neither was arrested,
Major Wynne declaring that the matter
would be eventually cleared up and
that he believed Allan Gray was the
soul of honor.
So the majors bondsmen took the
Office under their immediate charge,
retaining young Gray, though sorely
against his will, telling him that it
would be better for him to remain till
the matter was thoroughly investiga-
ted. The detective returned to Wash
ington, and Major Wynne walked
about the village streets, smiling
again, asserting that he had gained
thread by which the whole matter
could be unraveled, though what this
new-found clew was he could not di-
vulge for the present:
But Allan Gray seemed failing in
health and spirits, and oftentimes
Kitty, whose school was not in session
at that time, was called in to assist
or take the place Of the dispirited
young clerk, and sometimes Major
Wynne was also called upon to render
assistance. And not few people had
come to hint openly that the cause of
Allan Gray'S diSquietude and failing
health was due to load of conscious
guilt.
The government detective had put
in another unexpected appearance and
was closeted in the evening with one
of Major Wynne's bondsmen-the act
ing gpostmaster-when some nerapped
sharply upon the door. Mr.. Marsh,
the bondsman, opened the door and
stood face to face with Kitty Marble.
Her eyes wore strange, intense look,
and vivid color burned in her cheeks. |
81 beg pardon for intruding upon
you," she said in quiet, even tone.
" Mrs. Marsh told me you were en-
gagged, but made bold to call upon
you just the same. want a favor"
The detective eyed her keenly, while |
Mr.. Marsh answered: Certainly, Miss
Marble, 1 will grant with pleasure any
favCr that l can"
"Do not make any rash promises"
she said with a half smile, and then
she continued, earnestly: "Mr. Marsh,
| want some decoy letters sent through |