Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1896-11-09


the public mind, occasioned by bank
failures end the explosions OF public
companies; but Marsden q RyIotty's
bank had stood mistaken, for it was
conducted upon q sound financial
basis with large capital, and had be.
come quite an old established institu-
ton.
In consequence of the aforesaid fail
ures, the receipts at Marsden's had
expanded enormously, and Mr.. Phil
lip, whose heart and soul were in
the lifelong work which his great
grandfather founded, frequently drove
across and stayed behind for an hour
or so OF late to glance through the
transactions carefully and quietly. 1t
was perhaps little indiscreet so far as
his health was concerned, for Phillip
was travelling toward the 'sundown"
OF life, having passed his three score
years and ten. His medical adviser
had frequently eDjoine>-N him to avoid
mental or physical exertion, his con-
stitution being far from strong now {;
but when the banker laughed and
pooh-poohed the idea the doctor, with
merry twinkle in his eye, prophesled
that Marsden would assuredly die in
the harness.
The latter almost believed it, too,
while admitting that his intellect was
not so keen, his Judgment and dis.
crimininating faculties not quite SO
clear, nor his strength what it was
some forty years back. He had been
a mastery fiuancier in his earlier
days at the bank, conjuring with mon
etary problems as boys do with mar
bles, and giving the strictest attention
to the work and to the secure custody
OF the documents and cash within its
walls. Some very ingenius devices in
the construction OF the building and
its rooms were attributable to his
foresight, arliice and care. Marsden
was dear old gentleman, genial,
happy and exceedingly kind to the
staff in his employ, who, in return,
performed their duties to the very let.
ter, knowing the esteem in which
their services were held and substan.
TALLY recognized.
The moments wore on, and Mr..
Marsden, with yawn, rose from his
seat, and was just about to depart
when knock at the side door of the
Office demanded his attention. Upon
opening the door police sergeant and
two stalwart officers in plain clothes
confronted him.
"You are Mr.. Marsden. I believe.
sir, the head OF the bank?" INQUIRED
the sergeant in an anxious undertone.
THAT is so. am Mr.. Marsden. +"
81 have some most important evil
dence to communicate, if you will
grant us @ few minutes in private,
sir.
"Indeedl Certainly. Step inside.
And these two gentlemen, who might
they be?" asked the banker, turning
on his heel.
"Two detective officers engaged
upon their duty" replied the sergeant,
and the trio were quickly ushered in
to the private sanctum OF the banker.
81 am staying rather later than
usual tonight; it is fortunate I had
not gone.
Every fortunate, for our visit con-
Germs you most seriously"
"lndeedi" said Mr.. Phillip, omen
ing his eyes widely and popping his
gold'rimmed spectacles ulo on his fore
head.
"Yes sir, from information which
has come into our possession. and
which must ask you in the interest
of the public justice not to diynlge.
but to afford MS what assistance Won
can, have to inform you that a dar.
ing robbery IS contemplated upon
your bank tonight.
"Never !" said Mr.. lMarsden. staring
aghast. "Why, the ese premises are
proof agaist anything"
"You may think go but you don't
know these men. To go into this mat
ter, sir, it came about in this way
We were on the sGent of notorious
little gang Of three expert bank rob-
hers and safe breakers short time