Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1889-09-20

- 10 IL II Is 10 ,
% e d + { s s % 81 s h 10 "a ., k II
II 20 ~ 1sf
On what slight incidents are great
events often basedl | carelessly put
the piece ofpaper into my pocket,
where it lay for months forgotten by
myself, to be brought forth at last
as the instrument wherewith two
great villains were brought to Justice,
and as the means by which l was
saved the loss of II large sum OF
money.
One day after the banks were closed
| was paid the sum of 5000, which
placed within a drawer in my small
office safe, intending it should re-
main there over night, and the next
day | would put it on deposit.
Gamnett (my new clerk was pres
ent, and appeared very observant of
what | was doing-following my
every motion with an eager, nervous,
excited glance, which, although it
attracted my attention at the time,
did not impress me as a matter of
much Importance, and was soon out
of my mind; though afterward had
cause to remember it very distinctly.
"Gamnett," said |, as | swung to
the safe door, locked it carefully and
put the key in my pocket (by the
way, l may as well state here that |
was the only one who had key)-
"Gamnet, you know, ofcourse. about
the money, and to insure it safely
wish you would do me u favor"
I'm ready to oblige at any mo-
ment-the present none the less"
said he.
"Well, then," said |, 81 would like
to have you sleep in the office all
night and guard against burglars.
You can sleep on the couch and keep
the fire burning, so you will be warm
and comfortable. Youmay take my
rug, and everything will be all right.
OF course | will pay you extra for the
trouble"
ut will be happiness to do so,
said Gamnett, somewhat eagerly,
afterward thought. 81 care not for
extra pay"
81 am sorry to have to cause you
so much trouble and inconvenience, >"
said |, gratified at the readiness with
which he acquiesced, "and / hope it
will not often occur. BY the way,
Gamnett," l added, putting on my
overcoat, 81 shall not be back at the
office tonight, for | am going to
town by the five o'clock train. You
and Wilson can see to things while
am gone, though | shall probably
return tomorrow. Good night"
Good night, Mr.. Parker. You
can depend upon my faithfully carry
ing out your directions"
The unusual cordiality with which
he spoke, combined with the fact that
he made use OF my name for the first
time in my remembrance, OCCASION
ed me some surprise; however, soon
left him at the desk, and, wrapping
my overcoat closely around me,
went out into the cold wintry air and
wendell my way homeward.
After partaking of u warm, hearty
meal, | proceeded to the station and
took the five o'clock train for town,
where | arrived two hours later.
In my younger days | had been en-
ployed in telegraph Office, and had
become competent operator,
though for various reasons | did not
like the business, and, after having
worked at it for few years, resign
ed my position to engage
in something more congo
NAL to my taste. Among the many
acquaintance | had formed at that
time was that of a young fellow by
the name of Taylor. who was also
an operator, and, at the time of
which l write, was employed by the
telegraph company in their office,
where, for old acquaintance sake, |
called without delay, and found him
seated by his instrument engaged in
the perusal of the evening paper.
Taylor said l, advancing to-
ward him, Chow are you?"
"Halloo, Parker, is that you?" he
exclaimed, rising from his seat.
"Give us your fin, old fellow, and say;
now goes it?"
"F'irst rate" | replied, shaking
hands; you keep at the old occupa-
ton, see."
eyes, and probably always shall.
Here is the paper; sit down and be
Pve got to receive
this message that's coming. No
peace for the wicked and certainly
not for telegraph operators"
took the seat he offered, and,
spreading the paper out before me,
began to read-my friend in the mean
time taking down the dispatch, and
otherwise busying himself about the
which had commenced
ina very lively and animated
Its from your place." he said,
presently.
'Is it?" said |, folding the paper to
get at the inside.
ITS in cipher, too" he added soon
"From my place, and in cipher! l
throwing aside the paper.
"Who is it from?"
Haven't come to that yet
| had become strangely interested,
scarcely knew why, and waited
impatiently tor the complete trans
of the message.
The instrument went on clicking at
D great rate, and presently Taylor
began to spell aloud as fast % 1t