Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1898-03-24
CHAPTER IV.-CoNTINUED.

ShAE i ER lN.-CONT1NUED.
The president was writing when I
entered, but he laid aside his pen when
he saw me.
Take a seat, Conway" he said.
l did as requested. My heart was
heavy before, but it was heavier when
1 noticed the troubled look on his face.
"Mr. Perry, have you read the pa
pers?" l asked.
The president nodded assent.
How is it that such a general i'm
preston has gone abroad that l had
something to do with the affair? Who
has started such a 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 l 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?"
well, 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"
I answered with a scornfuI laugh.
"Accomplices! Who are they?"
asked.
''Well, suppose they are looking for
them," Mr.. Perry said. with half
smile.
II hope they'll enjoy the search" l
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 1 not arrested?"
"We had hoped to keep the affair Sc
cret, for 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 mention it,"
soul on the subject" I replied. M.
Perry" cried impulsively, you do not
believe am guilty, do you?"
81 do not wish to believe so," he re-
piled, guardedly.
"Oh, think, sir, what this terrible af-
fair means to me! 1t is fearful bur-
den for young fellow to bear who is
wholly innocent"
"It is, indeed. But, you see, it is this
way. The bank is public institution.
and /, as it's head, dare not let my per-
sonal feelings interfere with my duty
to the public. Personally, it does not
seem possible that you could have any
connection with the loss of the people, S
money"
"Oh, thank you, Mr.. Perry! knew
you could not think"
He cut me short. Officially, must
hold you in doubt, so much so at least
that l cannot give you back your po-
sition.'
And did you suppose I expected to
remain?" asked, Indignantly. Il could
not. l want to hold no position where
absolute and perfect confidence is not
resignation, SIR" 1 added.
81 am glad you look upon it in that
light. 1t is manly, SIR" said Mr.. Perry.
And, Nelson, not even the restoration
If the missing funds would give me as
great pleasure as the establishment of
your innocence"
Never fear, sir, my innocence will
soon be proved. 1t cannot be otherwise,
for I am innocent" l said, confidently
II have a small estate which came to
me from my grandfather" continued
Every cent shall be expended, if nec-
essary, for the purpose of proving my
innocence"
"You can do as you see fit about that, >
the president said, after long pause
during which he seemed to be ponder.
Ing over my words. But if you wish
for my advice, 1 would say, do nothing
whatever on your own hook. Nelson
he continued, coming close up to me and
speaking low, "secret measures have al.
ready been begun to solve the mystery
and they will be thorough and far.
reaching. This is wholly independent
of any Investigations the police au.
thorities may undertake. You see, my
boy, that I do trust and believe in YOU
after all. What have told you Is IL
strict confidence. Live as quietly ant
patiently as possible under the cloud