The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1897-10-23
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, thebulk 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. ! no.
ticed, also, that passers-by looked
around after me. Many men with whom
had bowling acquaintance turned
their heads and pretended not to see
me. l realized in great bitterness of
spirit that 1 was already marked man,
suspected, and therefore Stunned.
1t is a lamentable fact that often a
suspicion of 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 l soon realized.
When 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
salutation. That one was Horace
Jackson, and he smiled as he bowed.
The president was writing when /
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
noticed the troubled look on his face.
"Mr. Perry, have you read the pa
persw asked.
The president nodded assent.
-How is it that such general i'm
preston has gone abroad that I had
something to do with the affair? Who
has started such 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? Isay moth
ing about my own assertions. But how
can anyone doubt the word of man
of Mr.. Morley's standing?"
swell, Conway. no one does doubt
that you told the truth in that. But"
Mr.. Perry seemed loath to proceed.
"But what, sir?" demanded, after
pause.
The detectives theory is that you
had accomplices, who, from directions
given by you, were able to carry out a
prearranged plan."
1 answered with scornful laugh.
"Accomplices! Who are they?"
asked.
"Well, I suppose they are looking for
Them" Mr.. Perry said, with half
smile.
II hope they'll enjoy the search" I
said, sarcastically. "Oh, Mr.. Perry, why
is this thing brought upon me? Why
am l so universally suspected, when
nothing can be shown against me? If
there is enough cause to attribute the
robbery to me, why am l not arrested?'
eve had hoped to keep the affair Sc
cret, for a time at least. Therefore
some few of the trustees thought it
best not to make it public, as having
you arrested would have done. We were
all pledged to secrecy. but somehow the
affair got abroad. l suppose you did
not mei.tion it?"
mo, indeed. / have not spoken TO a
soul on the subject" l replied, M,
Perry" Icried, impulsively, you DO not
believe Lam guilty, do you?"
81 do not wish to believe So" he re-
Piled, guardedly.
''0h, think, sir, what this terrible af-
fair means to me! 1t is fearful bur-
den for a young fellow to bear who is
wholly innoce-t.."