Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-09-10
essary, Tor the purpose OF proving my
ipnocapce

during which he seemed to be ponder
ing over my words. "But If you wish
for my advice, l 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 a trip to Europe, and enjoy your
self"
mo, I'll stay and face the music. I
am not afraid of any Investigations
which may be made into my life"
"Well, good-by now. Unjust not allow
you to take up any more of my time.
beg of you to follow my advice, and un-
dertake no search on your own hook.
In spite of Encouragement, heartache,
or long delay, do nothing yourself"
He shook my hand heartily, and left
him.
AS was going out the door leading
into the lobby, ran against II man just
coming in. He was an old fellow, small
and thin, and had piercing steel-blue
eyes. He rebounded trifle from the
collision, then gazed at me sharply.
II beg your pardon" said. II hope
did not hurt you?"
mo. Not much. ut any rate. / want
to see the president. Are you the presi-
dent?" he asked.
There seemed to me to be something
insolent about his question, as though
he knew was not the president and he
had asked but to mock me.
"You will find the president in his Of
fee" replied, curtly. "As for me, l
am a bank robber."
There was the suspicion of twinkle
came in his eyes as he said: Indeed!
Well, you don't look it,"
The old fellow then entered the of.
fee, 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
4 that was not arrested. 1t would have
been an easy matter, for had no
thought of hiding. The most public
streets during the daytime, and a con-
cert or the theater ut night, were FIRE.
quented by me. I held my head erect
as had right to do; but it was with q
heavy heart and chastcned spirit that
1 realized that people stunned me-
Houses where had been on most friend
ly terms were closed against me.
I was tempted many times to seek
consolation and encouragement in the
presence of Florence Morley, but it die
not seem right nor kind to burden hel
bright life with my troubles. ever
should she consent to see me, of which
I was doubtful under the changed cir
cumstances. Perhaps it was this feal
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 a
eight. remain in town over night. and 70,
will find me at my city residence.
SYLVESTER MORLEY
Wondering what he could wish to say
to me, I 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" hi
gravely said. bowling his head. "Pleast
be seated"
After l 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, courteou:
way:
"Our conversation may prove unsat
isfactory to you. If SO, beg your par
don in advance. Of course you arr
aware that the public in general con
meets your name with that daring ant
mysterious affair at the bank"
II know very well, sir, that it is SO,
Ireplied, sadly.
''Now, do not mind saying that I dt
not necessarily condemn a man becaus,
he is suspected" Mr.. Morley continued
"In case like yours the general pub
lies opinion does not influence my opin
ion. AT the same time, the genera
public is not to be blamed SO much
after oil. The people form their opin
ions from the newspapers, and 1 an
sorry to note that the papers do no
seem friendly toward YOU"
"Tlat is true, SIR" answered. IAN,
cannot imagine why they should tax,
that stand, when nothing, absolutel,
nothing, can be found to criminate me.
II can furnish no idea why it is so
simply state fact. AS intimated, i
is not my custom to condemn a MAJ
before he has been found guilty. But
whatever my private opinion may be, il
this case you must understand that til,
suspicion which has fallen upon yol
will necessarily preclude u continue
ton of the friendly relations which hav
existed between you and-and m.
household"
ooh, sir, you cannot believe in you
heart that l had anything to do witt
the banks loss!" exclaimed, bitterly
Tor, kindly as was his manner, tn
words he spoke seemed to strike knel
to my fondest hopes.
II have already said all care to sa,
on that score" Mr.. Morley replied
rather coldly.
"And-and your daughter, sir"
went on, with trembling voice; ssh
does not share the general suspicion!
A smile fitted across his face for
moment. Then he became grave again
and regarded me earnestly. He did no