Owingsville outlook. [volume] (Owingsville, Ky.) 1879-192?, 1898-04-28
CHAPTER Iv.-CoSrISrEp.

CHAPTER IN.-CoNTISUED.
The president was writing when
entered, but he laid aside his pen when
he saw me.
Take h seat, Conway" he said.
did as requested. Ny heart was
heavy before, but il was heavier when
j noticed the troubled look on his face
'Mr. Perry, have you read the pa
pers?" l asked.
The president nodded assent.
How is IL that such a general inn
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 IL not shown beyond any
doubt that l was miles away from the
vault at the time that the robbery must
must have been committed? say moth
ing about my own assertions. But how
can anyone doubt the word of a 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?" j 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"
/ answered with q scornful laugh.
"Accomplices! Who are they?" l
asked.
We'll, l suppose they are looking for
them" Mr.. Perry said, with half
smile.
Il hope they'll enjoy the search" /
said. ssrcastically. "Oh. Mr.. Perry, why
is this thing brought upon me? Why
am | 30 universally suspected, when
nothing can be shown against me? IL
there is enough cause TO attribute the
robbery to me, why am not arrested ?"
I'VE had hoped to keep the affair a Sc
cret, for q time at least. Therefore
some few Of the trustees thought il
best not TO make IL public. as having
you arrested would have done We were
all pledged to secrecy, but somehow the
affair got abroad. i suppose you did
not mention it?"
NO, indeed. have not spoken TO a
soul on the subject" I replied. M.
Perry" i cried. impulsively, You do not
believe am guilty, do your"
Il do not wish to believe so,' he re-
piled, guardedly.
oh. think, sir, what this terrible af-
fair means 10 me! II is fearful bur-
den for q young fellow to bear who is
wholly innocent"
1t is, indeed. But, you see. il is this
way. The bank is q 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 peoples
money"
''oh. thank you. Mr.. Perry. knew
you could not think"
He cut me short. ''Ofhcially. must
hold you in doubt, 30 much SO at least
that ! cannot give yon back your po-
sition."
And did You suppose I expected TO
remain p ! asked, Indignantly 'Icould
not. want to hold no position W here
absolute and perfect confidence is not
felt in me. You can consider this as my
resignation. sir" I added.
II am glad you look upon it in that
light. 1t is manly, sir" said Mr.. Perry
And, Nelson. not even the restoration
of 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 am innocent" said. confidently.
81 have a small estate which came TO
me from my grandfather" continued.
Every cent shall be expended, if nee
essary, for the purpose of proving my
innocence"
You can do ss you see fit about that"
the president said, after long pause,
during which he seemed to be ponder
ing over my words But IL you wish
for my advice, I 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
hoy, that 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 q trip to Europe, and enjoy your
self"
NO, I'll stay and face the music.
am not afraid of any investigations
which may be made into my life"
well, good-by now Unjust not allow
you to take up any more of my time.
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 shock my hand heartily, and left
him.
Al 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 a triAe from the
collision. then gazed at me sharply.
81 beg youB pardon ct hope
D did not hurt yoy
mo. Not much want
10 see the presided presi-
qenf?. he asked.
Fhfre reeued 70 q! smeihing