Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-09-19
Cabs aud Skftthes.
STORY OF A BANK CHECK.
(Continuec from yesterday. }

iIeQOGT. w men s5Ohc W dNiooS WV
railing he did not seem to recognize me.
Next day was shocked to learn, through
the president of the bank. that such posi-
tive indications of mental trouble had been
shown by the latter that his friends had
thought it wiser to confine him in his house.
His accounts had been at once vigorously
examined and were found to be correct.
1t was perfectly true that he had mortgage
ed his house and had paid the amount re-
ceived into the bank. He had concealed
the loss for three months or more from
the bank, which was mistake on his part.
but he had been punctilious enough to
even add the interest for some ninety
days.
Now, | felt absolutely certain that the
man to whom the check had been paid
must be a rascal If he had offered resti-
tuition it came late-very much too late
NV firm gave me a carte blanche to man.
age the matter as pleased. could not
have him arrested AS he lived in an iso-
lated part of the country,no efficient sum-
mons could reach him. If had been ag-
gressive before, probably not cent would
have been returned. Iwrote now sharp
letter, said That very large amount
of money must have been paid him over
and above the face of the last check given
/ him, which was for $3.50" | stated that
knew exactly how much it was" | must
confess outright that this was bluff. |
was not sure that the teller had not made
other mistakes besides this one. wrote
that "unless the money was at once restor-
ed would blast his reputation. If he was
/ inclined to be honest. even at this late
date let him do all he could and send back
the whole amount" thought it wiser not
to let him know the mental condition of
the teller. | was quite certain that if he
knew that the teller was out of his mind
not one penny would he return. | wrote
to him that "he must be in hurry about
it. That only the teller and knew of it,
and that my firm was as yet in ignorance.
At once, by return mail | had Letter.
The sum was not, as he said, what
represented it to be. He made some
specious arguments about a man finding IA
purse, and the description of it not tally
ing with the actual purse lost, or the
amount in it. Uuder such circumstances
was man bound to return it II L could
prove that he had been overpaid, ought
to state exactly what was the amount. He
might. he added, never have written me
/
been the wiser But he had a conscience, ~
so he said. replied with vigorous
| letter. | confuted his arguments. He
knew" said, "the moment he had the
bank notes passed over to him, he had
| been overpaid man might find piece
of gold in the dust of the road. and could
never tell who dropped it there. But
there was no analogy between the two
cases. | cried for immediate restoration
or there would be exposure" His an
swer did not come for ten days. II was
mistaken" he said. He was not aware
that he had been overpaid until he got
home.
Then he did not know it for a week
atterward. 1t came out then in his ac-
counts" knew this to be a wicked lie,
but it contained, at least, the written
acknow' edgement that he had been over
paid. His letter concluded as follows
The matter worried me considerably
has taken up great deal of my
time, and time for me is money.
Dou't you think there should
be a compensation allowed me. or in other
words cant we make a compromise
ooh. the blackguardD "If such thing
could be arranged will come to the city
and pay over to you the money. am not
afraid of the bank. | consider that my
transactions have been with your firm.
The money overpaid by the teller had
been some $4,000, and he had probably
counted out S4560 instead of S456. |
hated to do it, but offered the scoundrel
his travelling expenses. His reply came
promptly: ITO leave his business was
worth a great deal more than that Then
again, he thought of bringing his wife on
with him and enjoying themselves" The
up and down of it was that | offered him
a certain amount. My temptations, YOU
must remember. have been very great :"
| offered him $500. | was disguised. I
felt like going to his place and tackling
him myself. This is my ultimatum,"
said. "lf do not hear from you in ten
days will disclose the whole matter and
you will be dishonored" His letter came
back promptly enough. HE would take
the $500. 1t wasn't much The bank
was ever so rich. Corporations had no
souls | consulted with the bank presi-
dent. who thought it was better to close
with the man. Would it he believed that
that wretch and his wife came to-ap-
parently on pleasure trip He had done
a sharp and clever piece of business. He
had not the least compunction of con-
science. He had come to the office of an
evening. and | do not hesitate in saying
that in my hip pocket there was a rev Of
yer. He handed me over something less
than $4,000, asserting that the amount re-
ceived less the travelling expenses
and the $500 made up the bal
ance. When the money had been
transferred by me to the safe
gave him piece of my mind. did not
spare him. heaped on him every insult
ing epithet | could think Of Then be
showed his temper. which was an ugly
one. Now" said remember was 26
then, and hotter blood ran through my
veins than to-day you are worse than a
thief; you are murderer. You have
wrecked an honest mans brains. That
teller of the bank whose money YOU took
has lost his reason. He will, am afraid.
never be sane man again. This is your
work" That seemed to COW him. Your
repentance come too late. hate you so
that God forgive me-had you as much
as lifted finger against me, should not
have hesitated in Killing you like dog,
and no jury in the land would have touched
a hair of my head. Go out of this city by
the early morning train, or | will make
Won - That yrratob Iaff tho af4;oa l;t,a N