The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-01-29
i" NO. it isn't williams writing.

mo, IL lSn U NiillamS WflllnS.
What do you mean?' demanded the
old gentleman, springing up. who
wrote it them
I'm find out in a short time,' was
my answer.
The old gentleman sank back in his
chair and gasped Wen, well! And I
was about to turn him away this very
EVENING"
''ln a second my mind was made up.
- am going to stay here all night
and make a search for something said
l. Leave the key here in ease | should
get through before daylight
"After everybody had left the build
ing l started in on a rigid search
through the office. Every ink bottle
was brought out and held up to the
light, SO that the color of its contents
could be seen. Evidently but one kind
was used, for all were blue-black. The
cashiers desk had a series of drawers
that were all locked and for which |
could find no keys. My criminal knowl-
edge became useful. l hastily fashion,
ed a lock pick out of a bit of wire that
was used as a file, and in five minutcs |
had II of the drawers open for in
spection. The first contained paper
and bill heads. all of wl6rh | care
fully removed. At the bottom OF the
drawer was a well thumbcd Testament.
The cashier is religious said l. and |
went to the next. Here / found his eve
shade, over sleeves, several newspapers,
a couple of apples, a small note book,
and what almost struck me speeches.
with mingled feelings of triumph and
regret-a bottle of ink. With trembling
hands raised it to my eyes and turned
toward the gas jet. 1t was green"
did you eve in your life!' gaspcd
the landlord. Wasn't he a slick one,
thought"
The detective now warmed up went
on:
at was green, as l said before. Hook
ed at the label, and the mystery was solv-
ed. 1t bore after the manufacturers
name: This ink will not fade. 1t be-
comes black after exposure A further
search revealed nothing else. Well, l
had Il splendid pointer, and | went to fol-
low it. Everything went back into the
drawers in regular order, except that
bottle. l proceeded to open the book in
which the office expenses We're kept. and
| discovered that Goodrich e. Graham's
stationery was purchased from q Fourth
street firm. l replaced the book and
went home to slecp-thc first decent
nights sleep had since l was put on
the job.
early the following morning l HE'D
myself to the %stationer's and asked for
an itemized account of November bills.
On the 22d | found the simple item, TO
n bottle of ink, ten cents BY a sim
pie equivocation l learned from the sales
mar that Mr.. Graves had purchased i
himself, and placed it in his pocket.
"''Do yon remember him saying any
thing about the color of the ink:?" ask
ed l.
NOW it's funny to relate. but ! do
laughed the clerk. TO be sure; he asked
me if we had any slow drying blue ink,
and l told him that the only thing in
slow drying inks we had was a greenish
black
lis that the bottle!?' asked l, pro
iucing the article.
The salesman glanced at the name
on the label and replied, SThat's the iden-
teal one
obliged hastily said |, Selling the
bottle and going out, leaving the sales.
man staring in wonder at me.
Preached the office just as business
hours began, and at once went to Mr..
Goodrich. He looked weary and care
worn, as if he had not slept that night,
''He eagerly asked, What have YOU
lcarned?'
Enough to convict the guilty man,
was my solemn answer.
For Gods sake tell me who is it?
demanded the old merchant. Is i
William?.'
No. it is not William
Then il is-
81 turned away my head and sale
nothing.
" Have you proof:9 Remember h,
is as honest-I have trusted him with
tllousands-he was to have been s
partner" ami the old man grew inco
hercnt.
That's it, precisely said L. TO
morrow the end will come.
".But he must not be arrested,
cried Mr.. Goodrich.
GAS you please answered I, walk
ing away
THAT evening the end did come
| was alone with Graves. checking of
bills. Suddenly l determined to end all
and began:
"'Mr. Graves, did you know tina
there was a forgery committed in thi
office a month ago.
:" Yes, but the man was never
why, no, l don know of any hastily
stammered Graves
II affected not to have heard hi
first answer and continued: Yes
Check No. 729 was forged!
.'Graves had recovered his cool
ness. and inquired: who did ito
That's II disputed question! II
show you the book; ami | produce,
the stub. Whose writing is that?'
why, it resembles Merritt 81 re
piled Graves, affecting surprise.