The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1898-06-24

1
essary, for the purpose of proving my
innocence"
"You can do as you see fit about that, "
the president said, after a long pause,
during which he seemed to be ponder
ing over my words. ''But if you wish
for my advice, 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 1 do trust and believe in you,
after all. What I have told you is in
| strict confidence. Live as quietly and
patiently as possible under the cloud.
Take trip to Europe, and enjoy your
SELF
mo, I'll stay and face the music. I
am not afraid of any Investigations
which may be made into my life
"Wel1, good-by now. Unjust not allow
you to take up any more of my time. I
beg of you to follow my advice, and I'M
dertake no search on your own hook.
In spite of Encouragement, heartache,
or long delay, do nothing yourself"
He shook my hand heartily, and left
him.
AS I was going out the door leading
into the lobby, I ran against a man just
coming in. He was an old fellow, small
and thin, and had piercing steel-blue
eyes. He rebounded trifle from the
collision, then gazed at me sharply.
81 beg your pardon" said. 81 hope
did not hurt you?"
''No. Not much, at any rate. want
to see the president. Are you the presi-
dent ?" he asked.
There seemed to me to be something
he knew I was not the president and he
had asked but to mock me.
"You will find the president in his Of
ice," I replied, CURLY. GAS for me, I
am bank robber.''
There was the suspicion of twinkle
came in his eyes as he said: ''Indeedl
Well, you don't look it,"
The old fellow then entered the Of
fee, and I went outside to the street.
A few days went by, and, although
nothing was found to sustain the theory
of the detectives, that fact did not lessen
the general suspicion which rested upon
me.
Indeed, it was case of surprise to me
that was not arrested. It would have
been an easy matter, for I had no
thought of hiding. The most public
streets during the daytime, and a con-
cert or the theater at night, were fire.
quented by me. held my head erect,
as had right to do; but it was with
heavy heart and a chastened spirit that
I realized that people Stunned me.
Houses where had been on most friend
~ terms were closed against me.
was tempted many times to seek
consolation and encouragement in the
presence of Florence Morley, but 1t did
not seem right nor kind to burden her
bright life with my troubles, even
should she consent to see me, of which
I was doubtful under the changed cir
cumstances. Perhaps it was this fear
which kept me away, as much as any
other idea.
About a week after the robbery let
ter came to my boarding place:
"Mr. Nelson Conway-Dear Sir: If con-
venient, kindly favor me with an oppor-
tunity for conversation this evening at
eight remain in town over night, and you
will find me at my city residence.
SYLVESTER MORLEY"
Wondering what he could wish to say
to me, repaired to his house at the
time mentioned.
Mr.. Morley received me in the library,
and arose from his chair as entered.
"Good evening, Mr.. Conway" he
gravely said, bowling his head. "Please
be seated"
After had chosen chair on the OPP
posite side of the room, and he had re-
sumed his seat, he began, somewhat re-
luctantly, but in his stately, courteous
way:
sour conversation may prove unsat-
isfactory to you. If so, beg your par
don in advance. Of course you are
aware that the public in general con-
meets your name with that daring and
mysterious affair at the bank
Il know very well, sir, that it is so,"
I replied, sadly.
"Now, I do not mind saying that I do
not necessarily condemn man because
he is suspected" Mr.. Morley continued
In case like yours the general pub
lies opinion does not influence my opin-
ion. AT the same time, the general
public is not to be blamed so much,
after all. The people form their opin-
ions from the newspapers, and 1 am