The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1897-10-23

way. Inc bank Is puDnc INSTITUTION.
and I, as its head, dare not let my per-
sonaI feelings interfere with my duty
to the public. Personally. it does not
seem possible that you could have any
connection with the loss of the peoples
money"
"Oh. thank you, Mr.. Perry! l knew
you could not think"
| He cut me short. "Officially, must
hold you in doubt, SO much so at least
that I cannot give you back your po-
sition."
"And did you suppose l expected to
remain ?" asked, Indignantly. II could
not. want to hold no position where
absolute and perfect confidence is not
felt in me. You can consider this as my
resignation, sir" added.
81 am glad you look upon it in that
light. 1t is manly. sir" said Mr.. Perry.
"And, Nelson, not even the restoration
of the missing funds would give me as
great pleasure as the establishment of
your innocence"
"Never fear, sir, my innocence will
soon be proved. 1t cannot be otherwise,
for | am innocent" said, confidently.
II have q small estate which came to
me from my grandfather" continued.
Every cent shall be expended, if nee
essary, for the purpose of proving my
Innocence"
I "You can do as you see fit about that"
the president said, after long pause,
during which he seemed to be ponder
ing over my words. But if you wish
for my advice, would say, do nothing
whatever on your own hook. Nelson"
he continued, coming close up to me and
speaking low, "secret measures have al
ready been begun to solve the mystery,
and they will be thorough and far
reaching. This is wholly independent
of any Investigations the police au-
thorities may undertake. You see, my
boy, that do trust and believe in you,
} after all What have told you is in
strict confidence. Live as quietly and
patiently as possible under the cloud.
Take trip to Europe, and enjoy your
self"
mo, I'll stay and face the music. l
am not afraid of any Investigations
which may be made into my lifc.1
"Well, good-by now. Unjust not a Vow
you to take up any more of my TIM. l
beg of you to follow my advice, and un-
dertake no search on your own hook.
In spite of Encouragement, heartache,
E or long delay, do nothing yourself"
E He shook my hand heartily, and left
3 him.
AS was going out the door leading
$ into the lobby, ran against a man just
coming in. He was an old fellow, small
and thin, and had piercing steel-blue
eyes. He rebounded triAe from the
collision, then gazed at me sharply.
y II beg you1pardon,' said, II hope
! I did not hurt,you?"
: mo. Not much, at any rate. want
to see the president Are you the presi-
dent?" he asked.
There seemed to me to be something
nsolent about lis question, as though
he knew was not the president and he
had asked butte mock me.
"You will find the president in his OF
fee" replied CURLY. las for me,
am bank robber."
There was the suspicion Of. a twinkle
came in his eyes as he said: Indeed!
Well, you don't look it,"
The old fellow then entered the of.
flee, and went outside to the street.
A few days went by, and. although
nothing was found to sustain the theory
of the detectives, that fact did not lessen
the general suspicion which rested upon
. me.
, Indeed, it was case of surprise to me
that was not arrested. 1t would have
/ been an easy matter, for / had nc
thought of hiding. The most public
streets during the daytime, and a con
cert or the theater at night. were fire.
, quented by me. held my head erect
as had right to do; but 1t was with 8
heavy heart and chastened spirit that
/ realized that people Stunned me
Houses where had been on most friend
ly terms were closed against me.
I was tempted many times to seel
consolation and encouragement in the
, presence of Florence Morley, but 1t die
not seem right nor kind to burden heI
bright life with my troubles, ever
should she consent to see me, of which
I was doubtful under the changed cir.
cumstances. Perhaps 1t was this fear
which kept me away, as much as any
, other idea.
About week after the robbery let
ter came to my boarding-place:
'Mr. Nelson Conway-Dear Sir: If con.
venient kindly favor me with an oppor.
tunity for conversation this evening al
eight remain in town over night. and YOU
} will find me at my city residence.
"SYLVEST Err MORLEY"
Wondering what he could wish to say
to me, l repaired to his house at the
time mentioned.
Mr.. Morley received me in the library
and arose from his chair as entered.
Good evening. Mr.. Conway" he
gravely said, bowling his head. please
be seated"
. After / had chosen chair on the op-
posite side of the room, and he had re-
sumed his seat, he began, somewhat re.
luctantly, but in his stately, courteous
: way:
"Our conversation may prove unsat-
isfactory to you. If so, beg your par.
don in advance. OF course you are
aware that the public in general con-