The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1897-10-15

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the books Of the concern, which was not
furnished with q time lock, and all the
bookkeepers knew the combination of
this vault.
The bank was noted for its conserva-
tive business methods, and the great
cautiousness with which its funds were
guarded. 1t was the established rule
that the timepiece of the money vault
should not be set to open until half
past nine. at which time the bookkeep-
ers and most Of the employees were ut
work. In short, SO careful were the
officials that under no circumstances
was It allowable to leave the combina-
ton lock unguarded by the clockwork.
unless some responsible employe was
present.
One afternoon set the clockwork
mechanism to throw the bolt at half
past eight, an hour before the usual
time, as intended to get to work the
next morning at that time. The semi
annual examination of the books and
securities by the trustees was to take
place. and wished to have the moneys
under my charge in order.
When 1 left the bank that afternoon
! found a telegram awaiting me at my
lodging place:
"Come out to Fairlawn this evening.
We entertain o small party. I want
you" Thus the dispatch ran, and it was
signed by name very dear to me-Flor-
ence Morley.
1 would willingly have gone to the
antipodes to please the lovely young
woman, and my disappointment was
keen when thought of the time lock
having been set to open ut half-past
eight the following morning. For Fair
lawn was q country seat of Mr.. Nor
ley's, about 80 miles distant, and
should not be able to return until near-
ly ten o'clock in the morning, and the
combination lock would be unprotected
a full hour before the arrival of any
of the employees. It was highly inn
probable that any thief expert enough
to open the combination would attempt
the lock, even If it were known that the
time mechanism had run down. The
risk would be very nlight, and WINS
tempted to take II. But, knowing. even
though mo consequences should lie tho
result, that by doing 10 would break
=
temptation, and in no very good humor
started for q telegraph Office for the
purpose of sending a dispatch to Miss
Morley stating my inability to accept
her invitation.
On my way met an associate In the
bank, named Horace jackson. He wns
one Of the bookkeepers, a man about
40 years old. and a quiet, reserved fel-
low. He never mingled in any dispute
or controversy among the clerks, was n
competent accountant, and lived a Sc
cluded life outside Of the bank. He
was n 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 fa-
vor?" asked. ns he paused in his walk.
"Most willingly, Mr.. Conway. You
have but to state it." he answered, af-
fably.
I stated the circumstances concern
ing the lock. ''It 10 possible that will
be unable to be on hand at half.past
eight" added.
"And you wish me to be at the bank
In your placer" he said.
"Yes, II 1t would not Inconvenience
you"
'Not at all. I will be there, 20 the
rule will be complied with. Oh, stay n
moment. There il an old aunt Of mine
over in Camden who In i'll, and might
possibly be summoned to her bedside" :"
"Well. then, let IL 60. III stay at
home, and go 10 the bank, as I intended,
myself" I said. feeling quite disap-
pointed.
'But II say I will be at the bank
you may depend on me, Mr.. Conway.
sick aunt or not," jackson went on.
He really seemed 20 willing TO do me
the favor that could only reply:
Thank you very much. I'll depend on
you. 1t will he 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: 81 suppose II In Mis- Nor
ley that you intend to visit. Now,
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-
versation.
'-Only slightly acquainted. an In
terested in . few business ventures
with Mr.. Morley. Ny scquaintance ex-
tends no further" jackson said.
1returned to my lodgings Iight-heart-
Cd And happy st the prospect Of again
seeing tie sweet girl whom had loved
and Worshiped for eume tine IN pecret.