Middletown transcript., 1895-08-10
Mr. JOslin's
nistake

| SA-N he had glanced
/ 4 X " frequently durin
NJ the last houl
were within five minutes or the tin
for closing. Various things, asid
from the intense heat, had conspired
try the patience of that very impol
tant individual in his own estima
tion.
AS he was about to close for the da
the little window by which he stood
the vestibule doors swung open, as j
propelled by quick, strong hand, ant
hasty footsteps soon followed.
"Young man, you made a mistake
this morning when you cashed tha
check for me-"
Resentfng quite as much the famil
iarity of this address as what the words
implied. Mr.. Joslin glanced severely al
the speaker, a middle aged man in
plain, farmers attire, with whip in
his hand.
"We never make mistakes, SIR"
'You never make mistakes'?" re-
peated the farmer, removing his hand
from his breast-pocket, and regarding
the speaker with keen, critical eyes,
which seemed to be taking mental
measure Of the man on whose face
they rested.
"No, sir. If there was anything
wrong you should have mentioned it
when you drew the money"
"Just so; but, you see, l was in
something Of hurry. I glanced it
over, and thought it was all right; but
when I got home l found"
"We can't help that" interrupted
the cashier; s'you might have lost or
spent it, for all we know. If there has
been any mistake it is yours and can't
be helped now. it being our inflexible
rule not to rectify such after leaving
the bank"
"All right" said the farmer, but
toning up his coat and turning to the
door. "My name is johnson. | live
on the turnpike, just at the foot of
what is called strawberry HILL five
miles out. 1t is long way to come,
but don't mind it. I feel more than
repaid by the opportunity it has affor-
ded me to see. v hat l never expected
to look upon in this life, a man who
never makes any mistakes.
Despite the speakers plain, coarse
garb, there was something about him
which led Mr.. Joslin to think 1t pos
sible that he had made a mistake in
treating him with SO little considera-
sion,-if he had never made one be-
fore.
"Stay," he called out as his visitor
turned from the window. 'sIt is too
ate to-day, pass banking hours, you
zee; but if you will give me the amount
and particulars, to-morrow-"
"Oh, no, young man, interposed the
farmer, glanciug back through the
partly closed door, 'if you not only
never make mistakes, but-supposing
such thing possible-never rectify
my, it would be only an additional
waste of time to say more. I live on
he turnpike, at the foot of strawberry
Hill, five miles out, should you have
anything to say to me Of sufficient i'm
oortance to repay you for as great an
,ffort as it has cost me this hot day to
come such a distance. 1t will be late,
low, before I get home. Good after
noon, sir"
The following day the cashier sat
his balance-sheet, look of
and dismay in his counten-
ance such as had never been seen there
before.
Every check taken by the bank was
before him, every dollar paid out had
passed through his hands. and yet, in
spite Of all his efforts, there was a
deficit Of nearly five hundred dollars.
After the third attempt, Mr.. Joslin laid
down the pen and wiped the perspira-
tion from his forehead. Ruin stared
him in the face.
"Where could the money have gone?
and what should he do about it?"
Suddenly there flashed uponIhis mind
the recollection of the man who had
called the day before. Could it be pos
sible that the mistake he mentioned
was in favor of tle bank, and Of so
grave nature? Yes; it must be So.
There was no other way to account for
it. Seizing his hat, out Of doors he
rushed.
The evening Of the same day Mr..
johnson was seated in his pleasant
home, his wife on one eide of him and
his youngest boy on his knee, when
Mr.. Joslin entered.
"My name is Joslin. | am cashier
Of the Bloomingdale Bank said the
almost breathless with
haste and agitation.
Putting the child from his knee Mr..
johnson stood up.
"Oh, yes; I remember. The man
who never makes any mistakes. Proud
to see you under my humble roof, sir
My DEAR" turning to his wife, ''this is
the young man was telling you abou'.
A most extraordinary personl Survey
him we'll; you will not be apt to look
upon his like again."
Mr.. Joslin turned very red. Drop
ping into the chair that Mrs. johnson
considerably placed for him, he wiped
the m0istnra from his forehead.