Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1897-12-10
BY HOWARD N. YOST.
CHAPTER IV.-CoNT1NUED.


CHAPTER IV.-CoNT1NUED.
The president was writing when I
entered. but he laid aside his pen when
he saw me.
Take seat, Conway" he said.
did as requested. My heart was
heavy before, but it was heavier when
4 noticed the troubled look on his face.
Mr.. Perry, have you read the pa
ners?'' I asked.
The president nodded assent.
How is it that such a general i'm
preston has gone abroad that i had
sonething to do with the affair? Who
has started such 4 rumor?'
II do not know, Conway, unless the
police have given public expression to
their opinion"
The police. And what is their opin
ion? Was it not shown beyond any
doubt that was miles away from the
vault at the time that the robbery must
must have been committed? / say moth
inr about my own assertions. But how
can anyone doubt the word of man
/ Of Mr.. Morley's standing?'
Well, Conway, no one does doubt
that you told the truth in that. But"
Mr. Perry seemed loath to proceed.
But what, sir?" I demanded, after
pause.
The detectives theory is that you
had accomplices, who, from directions
given by you, were able to carry out a
wearranged PLAN"
answered with scornful laugh.
"Accomplices! Who are they?" I
asked.
Well, suppose they are looking for
thcm," Mr.. Perry said, with a half
SMILE
Il hope they'll enjoy the Search" I
said. sarcastically. 'Oh, Mr.. Perry, why
is this thing brought upon me? Why
ain l SO universally suspected, when
nothing can be shown against me? If
there is enough cause to attribute the
robbery to me, why am I not arrested"
We had hoped to keep the affair Sc
cret, for 4 time at least. Therefore
some few of the trustees thought it
best not to make it public, as having
arrested would have done. We were
all pledged to secrecy, but somehow the
affair got abroad. I suppose you did
not mention it?" =
No, indeed. I have not spoken to n
soul on the subject" replied. M.
Perry" 1cried, impulsivcly. "you do not
believe nm 1rn;1fv ID vouo''
Il do not wish to believe so," he re-
Piled, go:ardedly.
On, think. sir, what this terrible at
lar means to me! It is 4 fearful bur-
zen fer young fellow to bear who is
wholly innocent"
1T is. indeed. But, you see, it is this
way The bank is a public institution.
ana /, rs its head, dare not let my per-
sonal ceilings interfere with my duty
10 the public. Personally, it does not
seem possible that you could have any
connection with the loss of the peoples
money!
oh, ,aanll you, Mr.. Perry! I knew
you could not think
lie GU: me short. POLITICALLY, must
'old yoE i'll doubt, so much SO at least
mat l G1nnot give you back your po-
tition.''
And Cid you suppose expected to
'ena'n - l asked, Indignantly. II could
,'o'' want to hold no position where
absolute and perfect confidence is not
'eit IN Inc. You can consider this as my
'eslSna ton. sir" l added.
J, ar: glad you look upon it in that
'sA'. 1t is manly. SIR said Mr.. Perry.
aho' Nelson, not even the restoration
u the missing funds would give me as
s'ea' pleasure as the establishment of
your innocence"
Never fear. sir, my .nnocencc will
,oon De proved. 1t cannot be otherwise,
-. .or l am innocent" said, confidently.
nave small estate which came to
~. .as from my grandfather" continued.
every cent shall be expended. if nee
..Isary, for the purpose of proving my
1anoccnce,'
:, lou can do as you see fit about that"
ne president said, after long pause,
a,uring which he seemed to be ponder
ing over my words. but if you wish
~. ,' my advice. would say, do nothing
, "natever on your own hook. Nelson"
~ continued, coming close up to me and
slpak'ng low, "secret measures have al
saey been begun to solve the mystery,
s''u They will be thorough and far
=. saching. This is wholly independent
:, any Investigations the police au-
!. Hoflt,es may undertake. You see, my
that do trust and believe in you,
r Gil. What I have told you is in
.e,ct confidence. Live as quietly and
a""cntly 40 possible under tho cloud.