The Lamar register., 1901-08-28

TO MT. ItTTyb private oiuccs WdB 10
vored by having the curious glances OF
my former associates thrown at me
but only one of them extended to me
a salutation. That one was Horace
Jackson, and he smiled as he bowed.
The president was writing when ]
entered, but he laid aside his pen when
he saw me.
Take a seat, Conway" he said.
did as requested. My heart was
/ noticed the troubled look on his face
"Mr. Perry, have you read the pa.
pers? asked.
The president nodded assent.
"How is it that such a general i'm.
preston has gone abroad that I 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"
1.-THE police. And what is their opin.
ion? Was it not shown beyond any
doubt that 1 was miles away from the
vault at the time that the robbery must
must have been committed? I 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?" demanded, after
q pause.
'The detectives theory is that you
hml ,v,Is ,h0 IsrontsDps
given by you, were able TO carry out q
prearranged plan"
1 answered with scornful laugh
"Accomplices! Who are they?" ]
asked.
well, suppose they are looking fol-
them,h Mr.. Perry said, with half
smile.
"I hope they'll enjoy the search"
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? II
there il enough cause to attribute the
robbery to me, why am not arrested?r
I'VE had hoped to keep the affair a se-
cret, for time ut least. Therefore
some few Of the trustees thought II
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. "Mf.
Perry" 1 cried, impulsively, you do not
believe i am guilty, do you?"
tT do MT yx.iah t0 haltaya un III -,
piled, guardedly.
"Oh, think, sir, what this terrible af-
fair means to me! It is fearful bur
den for young fellow TO bear who is
wholly innocent"
ut is, indeed. But. you see, 1t is this
way. The bank is public institution,
and I, 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.. Perry! knew
you could not think"
He cut me short. 'Oficially, must
hold you in doubt, 80 much SO at least
that cannot give you back your po-
sition."
"And did you suppose I expected to
remain ?" asked. indignantly. II could
not. 1 want to hold no position where
absolute and perfect confidence is not
felt in me. You can consider this as my
resignation, SIR" added.
II am glad you look upon it in that
light. 1t is manly. SIR" said Mr.. Perry.
HArI
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.
'1 have small estate which came to
me from my grandfather" continued.
Every cent shall be expended, il 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, 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 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"
NO, I'll stay and face the music. 1
am not afraid of any investigations
which may be made into my life"
well, good-by now. 1must not allow
you to take up any more of my time, 1