Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-09-10
CHAPTER Nv.

H.,
alfbi for him. without however removing
thu eena~a, s"sni"i"n
CHAPTER ".
All that night walked the floor,
cudgeling. my brains over the affair,
but could arrive at no satisfactory So
luton. 1t seemed impossible that the
vault should have been opened, and the
currency, thebullz of which would more
than fill bushel basket, distracted.
The fact remained, however, that it was
gone.
On my way down to the bank the fol-
lowing morning, bought some news
papers, and eagerly read all the ac-
counts. Every paper, without actually
stating the facts in so many words,
gave out strong hints that was some-
how connected with the affair. l no.
ticed, also, that passers-by looked
around after me. Many men with whom
l had bowling acquaintance turned
their heads and pretended not to see
me> l realized in great bitterness of
spirit that was already marked man,
suspected, and therefore stunned.
1t is lamentable fact that often a
suspicion of a man runs through the
general public without any just reason
The current in such an event is over
whelming, and it is useless to try to
stem it, as soon realized.
When l entered the lobby on my way
to Mr.. Perry's private Office, was ia
vored by having the curious glances OF
my former associates thrown at me
but only one of them extended to me
u salutation. That one was Horace
Jackson, and he smiled as he bowed.
The president was writing when
entered, but he laid aside his pen wher
he saw me.
"Take seat, Conway" he said.
I did as requested. My heart was
heavy before, but it was heavier wher
I noticed the troubled look on his face
''Mr. Perry, have you read the pa
pers2" I asked.
| The president Rodded,assent.
How is it that such general i'm
| preston has gone abroad that I hac
\ something to do with the affair? Who
has started such a runlor?"
II do not know, Conway, unless the
police have given public expression tt
their opinion"
1.-THE police. And what is their opin
ion? Was it not shown beyond any
doubt that was miles away from tn,
vault at the time that the robbery mus
must have been committed? Isay moth
ing about my own assertions. But how
can anyone doubt the word Of q MAJ
of Mr.. Morley's standing?"
"Well, Conway, no one does doub
Mr.. Perry seemed loath to proceed.
"But what, sir2" I demanded, afte
q pause.
'srhe detectives theory is that 70,
had accomplices, who, from direction!
given by you, were able to carry out
prearranged plan"
I answered with a scornful laugh
"Accomplices! Who are they?"
asked.
"Well, I suppose they are looking TO
them," Mr.. Perry said, with half
smile.
II hope they'll enjoy the Search"
said, sarcastically. ooh, Mr.. Perry, VIII,
is this thing brought upon me? VIII,
am so universally suspected, whel
nothing can be shown against me?
there is enough cause to attribute tn
robbery to me, why am not arrested?
eve had hoped to keep the affair Sc
cret, for a time at least. Therefor
some few of the trustees thought i
best not to make it public, as having
you arrested would have done. Viewer
all pledged to secrecy, but somehow tn
affair got abroad. l suppose you dit
not mention it ?"
"No, indeed. have not spoken to
soul on the subject" replied. M
Perry cried, impulsively, "you do no
believe am guilty, do you?"
II do not wish to believe so," he re
piled, guardedly.
ooh, think, sir, what this terrible at
fair means to me! 1t is a fearful bur
den for young fellow to bear who
wholly innocent"
at is, indeed. But, you see, it is thi
way. The bank is public institution
and I, as it's head, dare not let my per
sonal feelings interfere with my dut.
to the public. Personally, it does no
seem possible that you could have an,
connection with the loss of the people
money"
"oh, thank you, Mr.. Perry! I knev
you could not think
He cut me short. Officially, mus
hold you in doubt, so much so at leas
that cannot give you back your pc
sition."
"And did you suppose I expected t.
remain ~ asked, Indignantly. 81 coul
not. want to hold no position wher
absolute and perfect confidence is no
felt in me. You can consider this as IN,
resignation, sir" I added.
81 am glad you look upon it in tina
light. 1t is manly, sir" said Mr.. Perry
"And, Nelson. not even the restoration
Of the missing funds would give me a
great pleasure as the establishment O
your innocence"
"Never fear, sir, my innocence vii
soon be proved. Itcannot be otherwise
for am innocent" 1 said, confidently
81 have q small estate which came t