Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-19

though we accomplished nothing. did quite
as muchas the detectives who did nothing.
George was not even censured; indeed
don't see how he could have been, for he
had taken every possible preaution. My
friend remained az Bslcath two years
longer and then finding that the town did
not intend 70 fulfill the promises which il at
one time SO generously made, he secured an
appointment at fourishing town In Kan
sas, but shortly afterwards he married the
daughter of wealthy saw-mill man and
entered the real-estate business in Kansas
City, having been assisted by the old gentle
man.
We met frequently, and on no occasion
did we ever fail 10 speak of that stormy
night It did not seem to me that he had
ever recovered his old-time spirits, and
many a time heard him mutter against his
stupidity.
"StupiGityf' l once asked.
"Yes, stupidity; thought Of the fact that
the bedroom was too small 10 admit of the
safe, but why didn't l think that the Office
was large enough to hold the bedf'
"Ah, well, l wouldn't worry over it. The
company has never attached any blame 70
you and / don't see why you should blame
yourself"
remaining abroad about eighteen months,
returned home expecting TO find George
waiting for me at the pier, but he was not
there. / went TO my hotel and there found
q letter from my friend.
"My Dear Bill" the letter ran, ''you VIII
be deeply shocked when you read this, not
so much because it informs you that ere il
reaches you shall be dead. but an account
dwell, viii tell you. After / had gone
out to that town where the robbery oc-
Cured became sick at heart.
81 had gone out there with the most hon.
orable Of intentisns-in fact, my intentions
remained honorable, with momentary ex-
ception, until you came. Is this not an alb
surd statements i win show you.
Two days before you came / received
the package of money. / was tempted. But
how could I secure it'll / could steal 10, but
that, | knew, would cause you pain, and the
thought that you should ever regard ne as
q thief was maddening to me. Then / put
aside all such thoughts and became my old
honest self until you arrived In moment
a devilish thought struck NE. Under the
very eye Of the general travelling agent Of
the express company ] would steal the
money But howl Anil settled that IN
moment. With confederatesl oh no, must
do il all myself. You know that have
studied many things and that odd expert
ments was q hobby Of mine. Well,
would practice one Of my odd expert
ments on that safe. / would blow II
up with a slow match. / took the money
out Of the safe and hid IL. / arranged
my match. the first night every thing was
too still. The next night was favorable.
The thunder was fearful j carefully re-
moved the sash OF Q small window Just be
fore | went 20 bed.
MY match was arranged 10 go of at
twelve O'Clock, and l lighted 1t. | lay
down about eight, you remember. SIeepf
Not wink. / lay there thinking, won
cering il time had ceased TO move onward.
counted Che ticking Of the clock in the Of
fee How l wished il were a striker. The
storm increased Once / was about 70
spring up. There had come loud crash.
II was only the thunder Could 10 be
that tho thing had gone outl / heard
you moving around, and fancied
that | heard the snap OF your watch "a
YOU closed it just then the explosion oc-
CURED. You know the rest
"Bll. l have never seen a moment Of
peace since that time. Ny lungs were Eever
stroug am dying now. WhIe you are
Tar away DeueVe NE 10 De one OF TIE DlosE
honorable Of men 1 am not quite 50 bad as
might be. have placed twelve thousand
dollars with interest IN q package and have
donated IL To the express company. In
disguised hand | have made false state
nent- Bat my name IS not signed 10 t.
What need they know so long IS they get
their money. Goodbye, old fellow"
George had died several weeks before Ely
return. Shortly after had gotten back 70
nv business the president remarked:
"A very strange thing has happened.
You remember the robbery cut q, Baicathf"
yes"
lWeIl, The man FTho committed the rob
berry has returned TIE money with interest
bis name was John Blucher, and VIC have,
Of course, made 10 effort 20 ind him SIngu-
lar things happen In this word"
Very"
"By the way, Jour Old friend IS dead"
@Yes"
There was IN honorable man"
made no reply. ORIE r. Rad.