Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-09-03

her invitation.
On my way met an associate in the
bank, named Horace jackson. He was
one of the bookkeepers, a man about
40 years old, and quiet, reserved fell
low. He never mingled in any dispute
OF controversy among the clerks, was
competent accountant, and lived Sc
cluded life outside of the bank. He
was bachelor, and did not seem to
have any special friends. It was GER
tain he never chummed or cronied with
any of his associates in the bank.
"Mr. jackson. will you do me IA
yor?" asked, as he paused in his walk.
"Most willingly, Mr.. Conway. You
have but to state it," he answered, af-
fably.
stated the circumstances concern
ing the lock. ut is possible that will
be unable to be on hand at half-past
eight" / added.
Sand you wish me to be at the bank
in your placer" he said.
Eyes, if it would not Inconvenience
you"
"Not at all. l will be there, so the
rule will be complied with. Oh, stay a
moment. There is an old aunt of mine
over in Camden who is i'll, and might
possibly be summoned to her bedside"
well, then, let it go. I'll stay at
home, and go to the bank, as intended,
myself" l said, feeling quite disap-
pointed.
"But if say I will be at the bank
you may depend on me, Mr.. Conway.
sick aunt or not" Jackson went on.
He really seemed so willing to do me
the favor that could only reply:
"Thank you very much. I'll depend on
you. 1t will be doing me great favor
indeed. I'll reciprocate some day."
Not another word, Mr.. Conway, on
the subject. Go and enjoy yourself"
Then he regarded me with smile as he
continued: II suppose it is Miss Nor
ley that you intend to visit. Now, l
am just on my way to see her father
at his Office"
"Oh, you are acquainted with the
Morleys, then?" remarked, somewhat
coldly, for I did not relish his bringing
Florence Morley's name into the con-
| yersation.
"only slightly acquainted. am in.
terested in a few business ventures
with Mr.. Morley. My acquaintance ex-
tends no further" Jackson said.
returned to my lodgings light-heart-
ed and happy at the prospect Of again
seeing the sweet girl whom had loved
and worshiped for some time in secret.
So then Horace Jackson was ac-
quainted with Mr.. Morley. could not
but feel greater respect for jackson.
For Mr.. Morley was one of the most in
fuential and highly-thought-of men in
Philadelphia, and, besides, was one of
the trustees of the bank. Jackson had
never boosted of his relations with
such an influential man; indeed, had
never even heard him mention the fact
before this.
had felt all along that it would be
presumptuous for me to aspire to be
Florence Morley's husband. But this
evening she was SO gracious, so sweet
and lovable, that it was impossible for
me to resist the impulse to tell her of
my love. To my intense happiness l
discovered that my humble self was by
no means an object of indifference to
her.
Mr.. Morley was of u dignihed, COM
handing presence, and rather overawesl
me. 1t would be no easy matter to ask
his consent to marry his daughter,
Florence was his only child, and all the
purposes of the fathers life seemed to
center in his motherless daughter. Still
l knew must approach him some day
and there was comfort in the fact that
he had always met me in kindly, if
dignified and reserved, manner. He
had never given me any cause to think
that my attentions to his daughter
were obnoxious to him; but then those
attentions had been extended out OF
friendship only. How he would be af-
fectcd by the knowledge that 1 was,
from this evening, the accepted lover OF
his daughter, l could not surmise.
could only hope that Florence's infu.
ence, which was well aware was pow
erful with her father, might prevail.
The dear girls heart was mine at any
rate, for she had told me SO, and be.
lieved her words.
After the evenings enjoyment with
drew to the hotel near the depot, where
passed the rest OF the night in happy
anticipations OF the future.
The train which took me back to the
city was a few minutes late, and when |
arrived at the bank it lacked but ten
minutes of opening time.
| lofa ba,. I, n !
or the treasurer would have had to be
called upon to open the vault, and it is
doubtful if either of them remem-
bered the combination. The bond teller
and the head receiving teller shared
with me the knowledge OF the combina
ton, but, as those two gentlemen wer
away on their vacations at this time,
was the only one besides the official
who could unlock the vault.
The heavy outside doors were 500,
opened, and, summoning the porter t.
help me carry out the cash for tn,
days business, entered the vault
There were eight compartments in
side, the doors of which We're provided
with combination locks.
One compartment was used for tn
reserve currency, another for the re
serve gold, and these two compartment
remained locked for long periods. TIL
remaining spaces were used for tn
storage of various securities, Unitet
States bonds, mortgages for loans Of
real estate, state and municipal bonds
and for the gold, silver and currenc.
required in the daily transactions. Thi