The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1891-08-15
MY BANK.

noble house-we, together, charged with
conspiracy, before a crowd of strangers
that felt gathering behind my back!
Let me tell you how it came about
At a reception that some of the ladies
gave the South Americans the other
night, Senior Don Joseph Maria Placids
Guamano, of Ecuador, in his brilliant
little talk about woman in the present
century" remarked: "She contends to-
day for every position which we"-with
charming gesture of waving his own
claims-''politely relinquish to her."
Graceful, wasn't itY' | said to Dot
when | came home. I'm not so sure it's
true. however, nor that approve of it
If 1tls-Ifeel more confidence in heavens
plans for woman than in Belva Lock
woods believe. But there is one posi-
ton that | should individually like tc
contend for, and have some one relin-
quish to me. | would like to stand for
one week behind the wire caging of some
respectable bank, and try if could solve
mystery that mocks forever at me as
gaze from the other side. Is it a special
law? Is it an atmosphere? Is it a sub
tie alchemy wish / knewr'
Knew what?" asked Dot. quietly.
"Knew why man, elsewhere governed
by civilized codes, possibly considered
at times even agreeable, once behind the
wires feels free to look at you and talk
to you IN such way that good tall
Polar bear would seem a silky refuge.
compared to him! | hate mysteries and
l hate banks!' Dot made no reply.
"Of course" | pursued, ION your own
native heath You are safe; but strangers
as you and | are here in Washington
Why, the other day | went into that
bank of the Everlasting Hills, where Won
introduced me, and they put their heads
together and pierced me and my check
alternately with such looks-Parthian
arrows, Scythian spears, st. Sebastian,
anything would have seemed mild"
Dot laughed
"What do you care? | went into my
bank yesterday, and the man began to
make eyes at me, but just held up my
bank book at him and he few | didn't
care"
mo, you didn't care, exasperating lit
tie insulated wire, but do | don't see
what right they have. And | always do
hate going upon other peoples ground;
it gives them such an advantage. And
that menagerie grating piles the advan-
tage up to such an awfully unfair height.
Why, you can, you know-if you would
allow yourself, you could-poke at
tiger through his bars; but that bank
fencel Why. if had brother, or com
a-a''-
yes" laughed Dot.
"Well, even if | had that to take
along, prepared to spring at the throat,
if any one were-well, inconsiderate to-
ward me, he couldn't reach himr'
At that moment came ring at the
door and yellow telegram envelope.
Dot was to fly to Philadelphia. The one
being on earth who was part of both our
souls was very ill., Twenty minutes for
satchel packing and leaving the place.
DOT" said stonily, "send for me if
it is very bad. And oh! | shall want
some money while you are gone"
''TI send a check" she said, and the
cab rolled away so did night and
morning of suspense; then came another
yellow envelope and then letter. One
said things were better, the other
brought the check. | breathed again:
but still might be called must go
to that miserable bank.
There was just time before hours were
over. caught the avenue car and was
off. On the bank steps pulled out the
hn1 "a Al.
Everlasting Hills" it was on the High
Stepping banky' What now? She for
got that they did not know me there.
Still, of course, one respectable bank
would cash another's check: it must be
all right.
The sight of the wire caging brought
back my talk with Dot, and l felt the
blood of my ancestors growing hot in
my veins again. But / must be safe:
they would surely remember me this
time.
Mol What was that paying teller do
ing now? Looking at my check, turning
it, twisting it, shooting looks at me,
looking at it again-Parthian arrows,
indeed. Now he was off tOan older man,
who seized the check in his turn, pierced
it and me with more arrows, as if he
were examining magistrate of police
court. Now he sprang from his stool and
sprang at me. Only the wires, apparent
ly, kept him off.
My cheat" became flame, and, with
no warning to myself, broke forth;
Il wish you would kindly let me leave
my photograph here, and give me a card
stating that you recognize it. This be
gins to be annoying in the ex"-
But the magistrate was waving me
aside.