The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1897-10-16

| Philadelphia. My advancement with
| this concern had been slow but steady,
and after, ten years of earnest work
finally attained the position of senior
| paying teller. Under my immediate
charge was the vault, in which the cash
and all securities held by the bank were
kept. This vault was. of course, guard
ed by time lock. Thebank opened for
business at ten o'clock. but the book
keepers began their work half hour
earlier. There was separate vault for
the books of the concern, which was not
furnished with 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 at
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 employee was
present.
One afternoon ! set the clockwork
mechanism to throw the bolt at half
past eight, an hour before the usual
time, as I 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
olace. and wished to have the moneys
under my charge in order.
When | left the bank that afternoon
found telegram awaiting me at my
odging place:
Come out to Fairlawn this evening.
We entertain small party, want
you" Thus the dispatch ran, and it was
signed by name very dear to me-Flor-
.nce Morley.
| 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 at half-past
eight the following morning. For Fair
lawn was country seat of Mr.. Nor
ley's, about 30 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
full hour before the arrival of any
of the employees. 1t was highly i'm
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 slight, and | was
tempted to take it. But, knowing, even
though no consequences should be the
result, that by doing so ! would break
very stringent rule, resisted the
temptation, and in no very good humor
started for a telegraph Office for the
purpose of sending dispatch to Miss
Morley stating my inability to accept
her invitation.
On my way met an associate in the
bank, named Horace jackson. He was
one of the bookkeepers, man about
40 years old, and a quiet, reserved fell
low. He never mingled in any dispute
or controversy among the clerks, was a
competent accountant, and lived Sc
cluded life outside of the bank. He
was bachelor, and did not seem to
have any special friends. 1t was GER
tain he never chummed or cronied with
any of his associates in the bank.
"Mr. Jackson, will you do me ia
vor?" asked. as he paused in his walk
Most willingly, MIR. Conway. You
have but to state it," he answered, af-
fably.
! stated the circumstances concern
ing the lock. 1T is 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 place." he said.
"Yes. if it would not Inconvenience
you"
"Not at all. | 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
I. well, then. let it 20. I'll stay al
home. and go to the bank. as intended
myself" | said. feeling quite disap
pointed.
; But if | say 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 or
: you. 1t will be doing me great favor
indeed. I'll reciprocate some day."
; Not another word, Mr.. Conway. or
! the subject. Go and enjoy yourself.
Then he regarded me with smile as hi
continued: Il suppose it is Miss 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 tn,
Morleys, them" remarked, somewhat
: coldly, for did not relish his bringing
Florence Morley's name into'the con
versation.
Only slightly acquainted. am in
terested in few business venture:
. with Mr.. Morley. My acquaintance ex
tends no further" jackson said.
:. lreturned to my lodgings light-heart
: ed and happy at the prospect of AGAR
seeing the sweet girl whom had loved
: and worshiped for some TING in secret
So then Horace Jackson was ac
quainted with Mr.. Morley. could no
but feel greater respect for Jackson
> For Mr.. Morley was one of the most in