The Holly chieftain., 1898-06-24
CHAPTER Iv.-cosrrSuED.
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some hing to do with the AFFAIR: Who
has started such rur.or?"
II do not know. Conway, unless the
police have given public expression to
their opinion"
'The police. And what is their opin-
ion2 Was it not shown beyond any
doubt that 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 stnnding?"
well. Conway, no one does doubt
that you told the truth in that. But"
Mr.. Perry seemed loath to proceed.
"But what, sir?" 1 demanded, after
a 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 scornfrl laugh.
"Accomplicesl Who are they?" /
asked.
well, suppose they are looking for
them," Mr.. Perry said, with half
smile.
Il hope they'll enjoy the Search" I
said, sarcastically. "Oh, Mr.. Perry, why
is this thing brought upon me? Why
am so universally suspected, when
nothing can be shown against me? II
there is enough cause to attribute the
robbery to me, why am I not arrested ~
I'VE had hoped to keep the affair Sc
cret. for q 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. suppose you did
not mention it?"
mo, indeed. I have not spoken to a
soul on the subject" replied. M.
Perry" cried. impulsively, you do not
believe I am guilty, do you?"
II do not wish to believe go" he re-
piled, guardedly.
"Oh, think, sir, what this terrible af-
fair means to mel It is fearful bur-
den for a young fellow to bear who is
wholly innocent"
''It is, indeed. But, you see, it is this
way. The bank is a public institution,
and !, as its 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.. Perryl knew
you could not think"
He cut me short. ''Oficially, must
hold you in doubt, so much SO at least
that I cannot give you back your po-
sition."
"And did you suppose expected to
remain ?'' I asked, Indignantly. 81 could
mot. want to hold no position where
absolute and perfect confidence is not
felt in me. You can consider this as my
resignation, sir" added.
"I 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.
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 At 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, l 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 do trust and believe in you,
after all. What have told you II In
strict confidence. Live a. quietly and
patiently as possible under the cloud.
Take 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. I
beg Of you to follow my advice, and un-
dertake no search on your own hook.
In spite Of discoursgement, heartache,
or long delay, do nothing yourself"
:. He shook my hand heartily, and left
him.
A. was going out the door leading
into the lobby, I ran against q man just
coming In. He was an old fellow. small
and thin, and had piercing steel-blue
eyes. He rebounded tribe from the
collision, then gased at me sharply. 4
81 beg your pardon" said. 81 hope
4 did not hurt your
mo. Not much, At any rate. Iwant
TO see the president. Are you the presi-
dent?" hc asked.
There seemed to me to be something
insolent about his question, ~ though
he knew was not the president and he
had asked but to mock me.
ssYou will find the president In his Of
Ace," I replied, curtly. "As for me,
am bank robber."
There was the suspicion Of q twinkle
baine in his eyes - he said; ~Indsedl
3 We'll, you don't look it."
The old fellow then entered the Of
nee, and went outside to the street.
A few days went by, end, although
nothing was found to sustain the theory
Of the detectives, that fact did not lessen
the general suspicion which rested upou
NJ.