Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1898-08-15

me sorely to see that you must now
suspect me of dealing dishonesty
with you. In this matter, however,
you are mistaken. I am innocent.
Il wish from the bottom of my
heart, Fred, that I could believe
you," answered his employer. "But
how can II You say you are inno-
cent. Then who did steal the money!
You surely don't accuse both Balfour
and myself Of conspiracy against you2
You evidently did not know I was
clerking when you secreted the
money"
Dockfeltp'
"Yes, Fred, 1t is not possible for
me to come to any other conclusion.
"Well, then," said / Mr.. Thomas,
"what do you propose to do with me?
Have you already sent out for an
officer to arrest mep"
'No, Fred, no. I called you to
give you another chance. Surrender
the stolen money, apologize to Bal
four, and all will be well. !"
"Did l not tell you was inno-
cent?" cried Thomas. "What, then,
have I to surrender or apologize for?"
"Well, Fred, I'll leave it open,"
said Mr.. Dockfelt. eff anything
more is stolen, I'll discharge you.
You may go back to your desk now."
The next morning Mr.. Thomas
came down as usual, and was at work
in the desk, when, as on the previous
day, Balfour's carrier came along the
wire, this time in company with two
others. A minute later Mr.. Thomas
called Mr.. Dockfelt, saying tlrat three
empty cash-cups had been sent him,
while, at the same time, the clerks
for each carrier were clamoring for
change. Natu ally, Mr.. Dockfelt
flew into towering passion. "Leave
my store" said he. "You are by far
the most brazen rascal 1 have ever
seen in my life. Leave at oncel"
But, sir"
"But nothing. What you have
stolen will more than pay the amount
of your salary now due. Col or, I
swear, 1 will have you arrestedl"
Thomas saw that it would be worse
than useless to expostulate with Mr..
Dockfelt. Nevertheless he was
greatly panied to think that his en-
ployer and friend should consider him
guilty of petty stealing. He took
down his hat and overcoat and left
the store.
On the following morning Mr..
Dockfelt arrived early, as he was to
be his own cashier. In fact, he was
the first man in the store, with the ex-
ception Of the shipping clerk. An un-
expected customer came in, and Mr..
Dockfelt made sale, and, forgetting
that there was no one in the cashiers
desk, sent the carrier along. He
quickly remembered, however, and,
making change for the customer from
his own pocket, followed the cup,
which had barely passed out of his
sight. He advanced into the desk
and took the carrier down. Mar
velous! Could he believe his eyes?
Both tip and bill were gone.
If Mr.. Dockfelt had ever been be-
wildered in his life it was at this mo-
ment. He was positive he had put
the money in the carrier, and equally
sure it was rot there now. He shook
the cup, and hunted carefully about
the desk, but in vain. Then he NUT
tered, half audibly: "There is but
one thing to do in such case as this.
L will see my friend, John Garner,
the detective, and let him straighten
out the mystery, if he can."
During the course of the afternoon,
in response to Mr.. Dockfelts message.
a thin, awkward-looking man entered
the merchants private office. Mr..
Dockfelt held out his hand cordially.
"Well, Garner" he cried, "I can
truthfully say that 1 was never more
glad to see you in my life." He then
gave Garner complete history of the
affair which had so perplexed him,
and concluded: "I have prepared
statement of points, which you can
study at your leisure" He then
handed Garner the following:
l. Theft always occurred on the
first snle in which bill was rendered
in payment.
2. Theft always bills, never silver.
8. Theft was generally between Bal
four and Thomas.
4. On the last morning several cups
were stolen from.
8. Dockfelt himself put money in
carrier, which reached its destination
empty.
Mr.. Garner put the paper in his
pocket and asked abruptly: "Who
opens the store in the morning?"
Somewhat surprised at the question
Mr.. Dockfelt replied: "Charles Hurst,
the shipping clerk"
''That is all, for the present." said
Garner. Then he arose and left the
office.
During the next few days there
were repeated consultations between
Garner and Dockfelt, each time the
detective being in disguise. The
third day the disguise was SO complete
that Mr.. Dockfelt greeted the entrance
of an apparently ill-bred and boorish
fellow with sharp "Well, sirP"
Tho 1ataotiva bant forword stHor