Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1893-02-16

''WhY! you don't mean"
THAT l make you temporary custo-
dian Of all this wealth, and be careful
how you abide the trust. You can leave
the bank safely through the house. AS
an underpaid clerk, the people will
scarcely hinder or modest you. Secure
the package safely about you, and go
out and mix with them"
"They will mob mel" chartered the
frightened Wharton.
Scarcely, in the role l intend you
shall assume" replied Dacre, with airy
confidence.
'"The role?' muttered the, other
vaguely.
"EXactly."
''You mean?"
"That Of poor, faithful servant, agon
izing over the death of beloved en-
ployer. despairing at losing lucrative
position in his old age, brokenh hearted,
though blameless, witless. Listen!"
He leaned close to his Quvering COM
panion. Into his ears he poured briefly,
rapidly the details Of his plan. The
other listened with curiOuSly working
face.
You understands demanded the
schemer, when he had concluded.
"Yes," choled out Wharton, his face
one void of utter wretchedness. DE
pend on me to end the farce-what you
apportion me will not be difficult for my
brain is reeling now!'
He uttered a hollow laugh as he
slowed the precious packet away In
safety. Then, with haunted look at
the dead banker, and one of guilty hor-
ror at the inanimatc Flora Merwyn, he
ST. al hn Mt ri RI
self incoherently. He had aged ten
years within two hours.
Arnold Dacre stood in q thoughtful
pose. once alone. He regarded Flora
Merwyn thoughtfully.
''She knows!" he muttered land that
knowledge is fatal to my every plan.
What of it? Sooner or later she must have
known--she will thank me for saving her
fortune. When | demand her silence
and her love as my price for returning
to her the fortune, or vindicating her
dead fathers furnished reputation, she
will not dare refuse mo- I will remove
her to the house, and await her recovery
with patience. Then, to carry out the
farce, the faithful, fearless bank cashier
must remain at his post Of duty till the
lust!"
He smiled sardonically as he spoke.
Then he started and hurried to the door
communicating with the counting room,
for new commotion had struck his
quick ear.
The clamor of the crowd had subsidized.
but some one was beating on the iron
doors, and stentorian voice sounded
"Open! in the name Of the law!"
Arnold Dacro paled slightly. He hur-
ricd to tho shattered window, and stole q
covert look without
On the steps stood the Sheriff of the
county, a legal-looking document in his
hands.
II order you to dispense" he was say
ing to the crowd. Tho court has au-
thorized me to take formal possession
of the bank until the bank examiner ar
rives. Violence can do you no good"
''Hc is coming in here" muttered Da-
ere concernedy. ''She Is hcre Should
she revive before have time to show my
power over her father she will reveal
all. / must convey her to the house
keepers caro-. Then to meet the Sheriff
with d bold face"
Dacre returned to the private office.
About to lift the senseless Flora In his
arms, he paused with shock.
"Mercy!' he calculated in a lost tone"
Some one is coming from the house,
Yes, the voices Of two men reached his
ears Their conversation told that they
were the Sherltfs subordinates. bent on
reaching the entrenched enemy from the
rear.
Arnold Dacre had but moment to
act. He knew that once formal possess
sion was given the Sheriff. the latter
would depart, leaving single officer on
guard.
Time was everything, to silence Flora
Merwyn meant his salvation. He glanced
wildly about him. Then lifting the
senseless girl. he bore her straight to the
open vault.
Placing her on the cold stone floor, he
drew the heavy iron door nearly shut
He gained the center of the room again
just as the two officers appeared.
Here are the keys to the front doors,
he said simply. "You can admit the
Sheriff"
The latter entered the private Office q
minute later
This is bad work, Mr.. Dacre." he said,
with o concerned glance at the banker
1T IS no fault of mine returned
Dacre glibly. II have been hoping you
would come. / dared not surrender to
that bowling, Infatuated mob"
mo, you have acted with courage and
discretion, assented the officer. 81
must take formal charge here"
81 have some private papers | wish to
look over IN the counting room be-
gan Dacre planning an opportunity to
get Flora unseen to the house.
"Certainly. l will only station man
at the outside entrancc-that is alex
cept to put what assets the safes may
contain in practical possession of tho
court.
And, as he spoke, the Sheriff advanced
towards the vault in which lay the in
sensible Flora.
A cold horror wrenched the heart OF
the plotter as the officer extended his
hand
It was to push the massive iron door