Amador ledger., 1901-02-01

up on a forged check or some other
act of carelessness. He went his way
without fighting back If he lost his
place, it meant poverty to himself and
wife in their old age. He was prompt,
careful and systematic, and the plans
of his enemies were defeated.
The seventh year was drawing to a
close when old John was caught up.
A stranger presented a check which
he hesitated to pay and about which
he consulted the cashier. Later on the
cashier stated that he had ordered it
to be held pending examination. Old
John said that he had been ordered to
pay 1t at once. The check was paid,
and, being spurious, the bank was $500
out of pocket. 1t was a question of
veracity between cashier and teller,
and II was decided within the bank
that the cashier had the better of it.
Just then, too, old Fosdick slipped in
wrong figure in making up his days
account, and, though it made only a
difference of z cents in the total, it
seemed to prove that old age and care
lessness had untitled him for his posi-
ton. The president being in Europe,
the board took the case under advise
ment, and "by order" the old man was
fred out into the world to begin life
anew. There were resolutions, of
course, and one of them was to the
effect that the bank presented him
with the sum of 800 for long and
faithful services. He put on his hat
without protest, and he left the bank
without taking the money. At his
humble home an old and anxious wife
met him and, wifelike, gave him SYM
pathy and encouragement first of all.
Never mind, John; never mind" she
kept saying. 1--WE have few dollars
ahead, and you are only 55 years old,
and something good is sure to turn up.
Rou have fought too long to give up
pow"
But the weeks went by, and nothing
turned up. The business world has
very little use for an old man who has
20 capital. John Fosdick's savings
were gradually used up, the generosity
pr his few friends exhausted, and there
pane day when the question Of food
hnd fuel became serious one. He
was not one to sponge or turn beggar.
II the world would not let him earn
bis food, at least he would go out of it
hnd hope that his going would open
the hearts of men toward his widow.
After pondering for an hour he started
out with the firm intention of drown
ing himself in the river. 1t was blus-
Eering November day, and as he passed
the bank with bowed head, bent Shout
ners and well worn garments even
those who had deprived him Of his
place felt touch of sympathy. He
was making for the suburbs and
highway bridge and wondering how
long it would take to drown and what
men would say of him when dead when
he caught sight of men and horses
gkulkipg behind an abandoned factory
1t was singular, bound on such a mis-
sion as he was, that he should have
seen or wondered and specialized on
why those men and horses were there,
but he had scarcely passed the old fac
tory when he suddenly turned about
and ran for the business part of the
town with speed that astonished him
self
In the vaults of the First National
bank was a sum close upon 100000,
deposited there temporarily by a rail
road company. Outside the vault was
big safe containing $4,000 more. 1t
was quiet afternoon, with few people
moving about. Over 100 Of the men
living in town had gone over to the
new town of Prairie Flower at an auc-
ton Of real estate. There hadn't been
A better opportunity for years to make
Q dish at the bank. It was civilized
young city, but within striking dis
lance Of NosMan's Land and q hun
dred desperate outlaws. OF a sudden
old John FosdickA pareheaded and his
. gray hair flying, burst into the bank.
He was speeches. with his running,
but he did not try to use his voice. He
dashed open the gate apd seized the
heayy doors of the safe and closed