Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1898-03-17

earnestly.
"yNho besides yourself knows how
to open the vault?"
"The bond teller and the receiving
teller" / replied.
"And they are away on their vaca-
tions, are they not?"
"Yes, sir" faltered, for OWNED the
meaning of his questions.
Here the treasurer returned, followed
by Jackson. "Were you here this morn
ing at the time you promised Mr.. Con-
way you would be?" the president
asked Jackson.
Jackson glanced around in surprise
at the group he saw inside the vault.
at was an impossibility for me to full
fill my PROMISE" he answered. San
aunt of mine over in Camden who has
been ill for some time died last even
ing, and, as l am her sole relative and
heir to what little she possessed, was
compelled to go over to Camden last
night. I expected to return in time to
keep my word with Mr.. Conway. But
1 was unable to complete the arrange
ments for the funeral and some other
minor matters relating to the will until
this morning, and / had only just ar
rived at the bank when Mr.. Smithson
(the treasurer) informed me you
wished to see me-"
Then he added, In deep concern: "I
sincerely hope the inability to keep my
promise has not been the cause of any
trouble"
"Well, whatever trouble there may
be, the blame certainly cannot be at
tached to you. Mr.. Jackson, under the
circumstances you have mentioned.
You may return to your work" Mr.. Per-
ry said, after long pause.
II intended to ask leave of absence
for a few days." Jackson began, in a
hesitating manner. "But if anything
has happened which would prevent
your granting it"
"No, no, nothing has happened which
would keep you here. Your request Is
granted. Every consideration must
give way to DEATH" Mr.. Perry re-
sponded-
Jackson thanked the president in his
quiet and courteous way and left the
vault.
"It is past the time for beginning
business" the treasurer suggested.
The remark aroused Mr.. Perry from
the troubled and perplexed state the
loss of the money had plunged him
into.
"Is there any cash In the vault ?" he
asked.
Eyes, sir. All the gold and silver and
the receipts of yesterday seem to be
here" replied.
well, get your money out to the
windows as quickly as you can, Con-
way, then come to my room. Mr.. Smith
son, call the police, and send messen-
gers to the trustees for an immediate
meeting. God, what a report to give
them"
With heavy heart and a feeling that
I was treading on the verge of preci
pice I obeyed his behest. Then went
to his office.
Before the door leading out into the
vestibule one of the special police of
the bank was standing.
I smiled bitterly, as I recognized the
fact that steps had already been taken
to prevent my leaving the bank.
Mr.. Perry was walking the floor; he
motioned to me to be seated. THE trus-
tees will wish to interview you," he
said, significantly.
"Well, let them. They'll get nothing
out of me-" replied, doggedly.
The president paused in his walk and
threw searching glance at me. II
would advise you not to incriminate
yourself, Conway, before you are ac-
cused," he said coldly.
1 started to my feet. 81 mean just
what 1 say, Mr.. Perry. l understand
the position 1 am in. Why, sir, even
you, who have been my best friend-I
| can see, even you, whom have never
given the least cause to doubt my hon
esty, suspect me-"
There was such look came into his
face, such a sad look, that it quite un-
| manned me.
| doubt you. l have always considered
you one of my safe men. But do you
not see, my boy, what is against you?
You are the youngest man that has ever
held such an important position as you
| hold in this bank. There was considera-
BILE opposition to giving you the place
on account Of your youth. But insisted
on your advancement and pledged my
official word that you would prove
faithful to the trust. had such con-
fidence in you that I did not even con-
slider it necessary to put you on your
guard by telling you this at the time"
"There was no necessity, sir, to put
me on my guard. My duties would not
have been performed any better or more
honestly and faithfully had known
this. 1 thank you for your kindness,
however,
Stung by his implied doubt of me.
and knowing my absolute innocence
and how I had given my best efforts
in the discharge of my duties, 1 had
Strengthened uP'proudly.
My grandfather before he died had
written on the fy-leaf of primer of