The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1897-10-22
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, the bulk of which would more
than fill q 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-Iy looked
around after me. Many men with whom
had a bowling acquaintance turned
their heads and pretended not to see
me. ! realized in great bitterness Of
spirit that 1 was already a marked man.
suspected, and therefore Stunned.
It is q lamentable fact thnt often q
suspicion of q man runs through the
general public without any just reason.
The current in such an event is over
whelming, and 1t is useless to try to
stem it, as soon realized.
When l entered the lobby on my why
to Mr.. Perry's private Office, L.was ia
vored by having the curious glances Of
my former associates thrown at me,
but ouly one of them extended to me
salutation. That one was Horace
jackson, and he smiled as he bowed.
The president was writing when I
entered, but he laid aside his pen when
he saw me.
flake a seat, Conway" he said.
/ did as requested. My heart was
heavy before, but it was heavier when
noticed the troubled look on his face.
"Mr. Perry, have you read the pa
pers?" I asked.
The president nodded assent.
slow is il that such n general i'm
preston has gone abroad that I had
something to do with the affair? Who
has started such n rumor?"
Il do not know, Conway, unless the
police have given public expression to
their opinion"
"Thc police. And what Ia their opin-
ion? Was It not shown beyond my
doubt that I was miles away from tho
vault at the time thnt the robbery must
must have been committed? Isay moth
ing about my own assertions. But how
can anyone doubt the word OF q man
Of Mr.. MorIey's standing?"
swell, Conway, no one does doubt
that you told the truth in that. But"
Mr.. Perry seemed ioath to proceed.
"But what, sir?' 1 demanded, after
a pause.
THE detectives theory is that you
had accomplices. who. from directions
prearranged plan"
I answered with q scornful laugh.
"Accompliccs! Who arc they?"
asked.
swell, suppose they are looking for
thcm," Mr.. Ferry said, with half
smile.
II hope they'll enjoy the Search"
said, sarcasticaIly. "Oh, Mr.. Perry. why
IL this thing brought upon me? Why
am l SO universally suspected, when
nothing can be shown against me? II
there is enough cause TO attribute the
robbery TO me. why am not arrested r
We had hoped to keep the AFFAIR Sc
cret, for n time at least. Therefore
some few Of the trustees thought IL
best not TO make IL public. ms having
you arrested would have done We were
all pledged to secrecy. but somehow the
not mention it?"
mo. indeed I have not spoken TO .
soul on the subject-- ! replied. "Mf.
Perry" cried. impuIsiveiy. "yoa do not
believe am guilty. do your"