Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-05-31
TIKI MURDERED CASHIER
strongest Circumstantial
Evidence Of Guilt.
AN ODD STORY OF JUSTICE.
LOVING GIRLS TESTIMONY.
CHAPTER /.

were people IN inc CITY III tHo "oJS VIZ"
Immediately followed the American
war who had something to say against
the firm of Parkman. Bubb 4 Parkman,
of IL Change alley. They could not
deny that it was an old-established con-
Germ. for Parkmans' had been trading
between London and Calcutta in almost
tho early days Of John Company ba-
badur. And they could not say that 1t
was not prosperous, for its name stood
high in its own branch Of business, and
Il had never been known to go in for
rash speculations or risky profits. But
what people did say, and there were
old fogics on Change never tired OF re-
peatipg it, was that there was too much
Young blood in Parkmans'. =" Go into
Parkmsns'," these would say, land
You'll have a young man to deal with,
unless you have the luck to do with
old Parkman ."--treatment which
they seemed to think most offensive.
And of course when old Parkman died
rather suddenly, these carpers were
still more triumphant. There was no
saving clause now when they stated the
treatment you might expect at Park
mans. For the second partner was
only sleeping partner-sleeping, it
was currently reported, on fine estate
in, Ross-shire-end young Parkman-
well, he was young Parkman. Then
Critchlow. the cashier, was young for a
cashier, being under forty f.; and Crisp
the head clerk, was very young, being
something over thirty. And altogether
Parkmans' might expect, for some time
to come, to hear a good deal about its
young blood.
IL was 2 O'Clock on Saturday some
three weeks after old Mr.. Parkman's
death. In the large Office the clerks
were putting away their books and
getting down their hats. There was
murmur of talk about the river, or VIM
bleton, OF whatever amusement they
seyeTally had in view for the afternoon,
when a tall man, dressedi in dark mourn
ing. and wearing his hat, entered from
dn lllltl lOOuls IAt HOloN Hdth w a.
respectful hum. lie was a handsome
man, with a short, fair moustache, and
light blue eyes. lie nodded pleasantly
TO one OF two Of the clerks, and walked
through to where glass case in
corner indicated the sanctum of
the head clerk. Crisp, small, slen-
der, dark.complexiOned man, looked
up peeyishly as the chief entered, but
seeing who it was, would have got down
from his stool.
" Sit still" the merchant said, lay
ing his hand lightly on the Others
shoulder to stay him. I" am only
waiting for the carriage. 1t is more
pleasant here than in the outer office.
You are not going about your usual
business to-day, think, Crisp, eh?"
The clerks face flushed.
No, Mr.. James," he said " am
not"
What, haven't you made it up with
her YETI"
The young man shook his head, and
then broke out suddenly with
" And what is more, sir, my temper
has been so bad ever since Critchlow
found out this deficiency that should
be afraid of making matters worse. |
don't wonder she could not stand it it
is no good my trying to make it up
with her till have cleared that up.
Then | shall be myself again. and can
look her in the face. As | told you,
sir. | shall come back at 1, and 60
through the books quietly by myself.
| shall never forget your kindness, sir,
never, But that Critchlow is so try
ing there's not clerk in the Office
does not know now that there is some
thing the matter with my accounts"
Crisp spoke with deep feeling, and it
was evident that the other believed
him.
Don't think too much Of il" he
said kindly. "lf it cannot be explained
| shall still trust YOU. 1t is but
small amount. Try to hit upon the
blot"
TRY !" cried the head clerk " I've
tried again and again"
lie passed his hands through his hair
until il stood on end. and, with his
bright black eyes, gave him very
wild look.
"Well, do your best" the merchant
answered, drawing on his gloves.
" You know my poor father had every
confidence in you, as he had in your
father, and have the same, Crisp"
And then he went, the young man
looking after him with grateful, almost
worshipping, eyes. There were few men
in his position and at his age so inva-
iably kind and conSiderate to their in
leriors as was James Parkman. Old
Parkman had been the same, and father
and son enjoyed rare popularity in
the office. 1t was whispered, but bro
badly there was no truth in the mali
ciouS rumor, that they never quarrelled
save with one another.
Crisp sat for some minutes ponder
ing. and, if his face was any index to
his thoughts, upon some unpleasant
subject. Then he arose, and taking his
hat went into the outer office. There
were still two or three clerks there,
detained 10y some small matters, and
talking to them in sharp, rasping
voice was a stout, black-whiskered,
short-faced man.
/" Not found it out YETI" he said to
Crisp, in a sneering tone. He was
CIitchlow. the cashier.
"No, "retorted the head clerk, "nor
likely to while there is so much noise
in the Office +"
"Wcll, If were you, I'd stay and
find i, out, if stayed until tomorrow.
But it i. fine to be you. I've got to
stay until or thereabouts, error or no
erfor."
IL think" said Crisp wrsthfully,
seeing the clerks upon the broad grin,
"that should make it hot for you if
stayed long with you anywhere a."
And without waiting TO hear the
cashiers retort, or the burst Of laugh
ter which his own excited answer
evoked from the youngsters, he passed
out and ran down the stairs and through
the quiet alley into the street.
CHAPTER ii.
1t was half.past 4 when Crisp, after