The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-08-15
SAVED ON THE BRINK.

4nCe, meTClduI VI ILLS ClCy, SotAOo.
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
vas "business."
The gentleman said that friend of
Ais. Mr.. B., merchant doing an extern
awe business on Lake street, had re-
suested him to suggest the name of a
reliable man to undertake private in
resligation; that he 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 place. He replied that he did
sot. At my instance the gentleman
wrote a letter of introduction to Mr.. B.
which he handed to me- and after re-
sewing my promise to deliver it, with
ont word he departed.
l lost no time in communicating with
Nr. B. l sent by messenger the letter
Of introduction enclosed, in note of
my own, requesting an interview, and
IN reply was invited to call at his resi-
ience that .ening at eight o'clock.
was promptly on hand at the desig-
mated time. and was ushered into a COM
Portable and we'll appointed little library
Ioom.
Mr.. B. received me cordially, but his
face wore an expression Of much con-
sern.
"::'or what specific purpose is my ser
vice reGIiredl" I asked, making dive
4. the business in hand.
''i wish you to investigate a little
matter for me-" he said, 'and will give
you the cause and details IN few words. "
After a moments hesitation, which
seemed devoted to deep thought, he
said: 81 presume you are aware of the
s:iaracter of our business; We require a
large clerical force in our counting 10 ON;
we reward efficiency and zeal with
nerited promotion, and many of our
slerks have acquired their present ad-
yanced positions through this system.
Among others in our counting room is
one who has secured his desk by gradual
promotion, Young man who seems pos
Sessed of the required qualifications aud
Who has always, so far as l can Judge,
properly performed his whole duty. I
speak of our cashier. He is young, in
selligent, with a kindly disposition,
prompt at his post and indefatigable in
his work. Because of these qualities and
the fact that he has exercise ed economy I
have felt myself gradually drawn toward
him. I have taken deepet interest in
him than in many othcls in our employ,
aud was much gratiEed to find that he
had to his credit neat little sum, saved
sut of his salary. Recently, however,
/ have noticed that he wears haggard
expression, and the dis ;overy has dis
surbed me. When first I observed this
change it was but slightly depicted on
his .couutenance, but it has grown more
pronounced from day to day, until now
he seems little more than a shadow of
his former self, and though prompt at
his post and in his work the old smile
seldom lights 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 $1,000 to
his credit month ago."
what is your idea of the cause of this
eondition of things2" I asked
81 have no fixed idea," MIR. B. replied,
md then added: "What puzzles and
pains ne is the fact that, though he has
authority to pay out none standing to
ahe credit OF any employees account and
has right TO draw his money, he has
several times invested in shares of build
mg and loan associations, but never with
sut first consulting me as to the advisa-
5ility OF dong so. Of course, I have
been more pleased with this mark of
confidence, and was so favCrably i'm.
pressed with his worth that l had already
determined that he would be the next to
be admitted to junior copartnerShip in.
aerest in our establishment. My recent
discoveries and the cashiers rcticence
have made ms uneasy. l am determined
Il possible, to learn the cause of this
shange, and therefore l have sent for
You to look into the case for me- I de-
sire you to ascertain what influence has
saused the change in his appearance, and
What he has done with his money. The
only condition that I interpose is that
you must make no move that will disturb
him until you shall have reported to me.
fou 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 financial trouble in
my form?"
sti have no data upon which TO ground
suspicion; his trial balan &c she t made
three days ago proves the books and ac.
sounts in good shape, and the cash
b%lance on hand at that time was cor.
rect"
"Docs he complain of illness or over,
work."
"IIe does not: in fact, when que;
ioned him concerning the cause of hi:
appearance, his answers seemed rather
evasive."
After few moments further converse
hon bade my client good night and
departed. The next day l entered tht
counting room of Mr.. B. and asked the
slerk at one of the windows to give me
silver coin for $40 note. Pointing tt
another window he said: "The cashier
will give it to you" was about to have
aview of the cashier. This was the pur
pose desired to compass. I had nc,
mp to that time had glimpse OF tha
sectleman's face.
Approaching the aperture designated