The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-04-13
A BOOKKEEPER ABSCONDS.
Geo. H. Curtis, in the Employ Of
M. Reinig, Steals Away at
Midnight.
His First Attempt at Escape
Stopped by Marshal
Hard
He is Defaulting in His Accounts, but to
What Extent is Not Yet
Known.

Those who have observed the conduct of
Geo. H. Curtis during the past three or four
weeks will not be surprised to learn that he
has gone astray. He has been in the
employ of M. Reinig, grocer, for the past
year and half as bookkeeper, and about a
year ago distinguished himself by marrying
an inmate of notorious Wood street
house. He was receiving moderate
salary far below the demands made upon
him by the woman of his choice and her
every desire must be gratifed else she
would leave him and go to some one who
could keep her in the height of fashion. To
make both ends meet he had to resort to
fraud with his employers accounts and
only few days ago were his shortcomings
suspected. His wife left for Seattle
about two weeks ago, and he received daily
letters and kilograms urging him to join
her or let her know why he hesitated, and
for money. On Tuesday Curtis gave it out
to Mr.. Keinig that he wanted to take a
weeks vacation to Seattle. He said his
wife liked the place SO much that she in
tended to remain there. Mr.. Reinig then
Thought that Curtis, too, would not return,
and fix the books up. Curtis did not think
this was necessary as he was pressed for
time, but he agreed to do so. The next day
it was learned that Curtis purchased
ticket for Seattle, and the discovery was
not made any too soon. just few minutes
Reinig drove to the Northern Pacific depot
and began a search. Curtis was found
he he was brought 40 back to the
city. The books of the house
we're in wretched shape and only
Curtis could straighten them out. He
pledged his word then to remain until
everything was clear and started in to do
the work. The affair was soon noised
about and numerous creditors, for it seems
Curtis owed everybody in town, began to
come IN upon him for settlement, but
they were all put off until tomorrow.
These included dressmakers. dry goods
stores and individuals. By this time it was
found out that Curtis had sold all his
household effects or shipped them to Seat
tie, and packed his goods late at night
Mr.. Reinig was warned to see that Cur
tbs did not get out of reach, but Mr.. Reinig
thought as there would DO no train until
in the meantime. Curtis left the
store in the evening promising to
be on hand next morning at o'clock, but
he did not appear, and investigation showed
that he got away at II o'clock at night on a
freight train.
just to what extent Curtis has defaulted
is not known, but an expert is now at work
upon his books, and several discrepancies
have already been discovered. MIR. Reinig
is now fully satisfied that he has been
robbed of considerable sum of money,
but the full extent will not be known for
two weeks yet. Curtis never made a trial
balance while he was in the store, and he
has left the business in an almost inextrica-
BILE shape. For several weeks he had
been drinking and carousing and neglect
ing his business, though Mr.. Reinig had
perfect confidence in him. kilograms have
been sent to Seattle and other points along
the line, with instructions to watch him.
He is easily identified, as he shutters and
stammers badly, and if his accounts are
very far begind he will be arrested.