Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-10-04
SAVED ON THE BRINK.

a merchant of the city, called. L had
then acquired fair experience IN my
calling but my income from that source
had been quite limited; hence my extreme
qualification when my visitor announced
that the purpose of his visit was "busi-
ness"
The gentleman said that q friend of
his, Mr.. B., merchant doing an extensive
business On Lake street, had requested
him to suggest the name of reliable
man to undertake private investigation
that ne had promised to comply With the
request, and therefore came to me. I
asked him if he knew anything about the
character and details of the case. He re-
piled that he did not. At my instance the
gentleman wrote letter of introduction
to Mr.. B. which he handed to me, and
after receiving my promise to deliver 1t
without delay he departed.
/ lost no time in communicating with
Mr.. 3. / sent by a messenger the letter
of introduction enclosed IN note of my
own, requesting an interview, and in re
ply was invited to call at his residence
that evening at eight O'Clock.
was promptly on hand at the desig-
mated time, and was ushered into COM
Portable and well appointed little library
room.
Mr. B. received me cordially, but his
face wore an expression of much concern.
"For what specific purpose is my SER
vice required?" 1 asked, making dive al
the business in hand.
az wish you TO investigate little mat
ter for me-" ne said, 'and will give you
the cause and details in a few Words
After moments hesitation, which seem
ed devoted to deep thought, he said: II
presume you are aware of the character
of our business; we require large cleic-
ial force In our counting loom; we re-
ward efficiency and zeal with merited pro-
motion, and many of OUT clerks acquired
their present advanced position through
this system. Among others in our count
ing room is one who has secured his desk
by gradual promotion, young man who
seems possessed of the required qUaliti-
cations and who has always, SO far as |
can judge, properly performed his whole
duty. 1 speak of our cashier. He is
young, intelligent, with kindly DISPOSE
ton, prompt at his post and lndefatig-
able In his work. Because of these quail
ties and the fact that he has exercised
economy, have felt myself gradually
drawn toward him. have taken deeper in
terest in him than IN many others In our
employ and was much gratlfied to find
that he had to his credit a peat little sum,
saved out of his salary. Recently, how
ever, have noticed that he wears a hag
gard expression, and the discovery has
disturbed me. When first observed this
change it was but slightly depicted on
his countenance, but it has grown more
pronounced from day to day until now he
Al Aa1 % L,
former self, and though prompt at his
post and in his work the old smiles sell
dom light up his genial face. | have
taken occasion to look into his personal
account in the ledger and find that from
time to time he has drawn upon it until
now very little remains of the 81 300 to
his credit month ago."
"What is your idea of the cause of this
condition of things2" l asked.
81 have no fixed idea," Mr.. B. replied,
and then added: "What puzzles and
pains me is the fact that, though he has
authority to pay out money, standing to
the credit OF any employees account and
had right to draw his money, he had
several times invested in shares OF tuild-
ing and loan associations, but never
without first consulting me as TO the ad-
visibility of doing SO. Or course have
been more than pleased at this mark of
confidence, and was so favorably i'm
pressed with his worth that had already
determined that he should be the next to
be admitted TO junior copartnership in
terest in our firm. My recent discover
les and the cashiers reticence have made
me uneasy. | am determined, if possible
to learn the cause of this change, and
therefore / have sent for you to look into
the case. ] desire to ascertain what in
fiuence has caused the change in his ap-
poarance, and what he has done with his
money. The only condition that [ inter
pose is that you must make no move that
will disturb him until you shall have re-
ported to me. You may adapt your own
time and method to reach the end in
view, and you may call upon me for such
assistance as you may require in the
case"
"Do you suspect fnarcial trouble in
any form?''
81 have no data upon which to ground
a suspicion; his trial balance sheet made
three days ago proves the books and &C
counts in good shape, and the cash bal
aLce on hand at that time was correct"
"Does he conn plain of illness or over
work."
He does not; in fact, when question
ed him concerning his appearance his
answers seem rather evasive."
After few moments further converse
ton bade my client good night aud de
parted. The next day l entered the
counting room of Mr.. B and asked the
clerk at one of the windows to give me
silver coin for $50 note. Pointing to
another window he said: 1.-THE cashier
will give 1t to you" 1 was about TO have
a view of the cashier. This was the pur
pose | desired to compass. [ had not up
to thst time had a glimpse of that gem
tleman's face.
Approaching the aperture designated ]
asked: "Are you the oashier?" Receiv.
ing an affirmative response L requested
change for my paper currency, which re-
quest was silently granted.
The few seconds required by the cash
Ter in which to gather up the coin an6
pass it through the window sufdced me to
stake i'm that gent.eman's face that
might know it whenever 1 should see i
again.
Ispent several days in quiet investiga-
ton and then sought private interview
with the accused. After few common
place remarks I took up the matter il
hand.
II am messenger appointed TO watcl
you and gain information concerning
your habits" said I, looking steadily II
his eyes. The young man Assumed
calmness, but could not conceal his alarm
and deep concern. I had fully deter
mined that the cashier was not rogue a
heart.
believed that he was not confirmet
In any vicious practice, and if his con