The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-29
A SWIFT REPENTANCE.

was cashier of Scott'S State bank
at Scottsvilie. and Mr.. Scott and the
when / decided to turn embezzler /
cannot tell you. The thought came 10
me time and again, to be contemptuous-
~ dismissed, but at last l entertained
it and found it pleasant one. 1t SEEM
ed as if the Evil One did everything in
his power to aid me after 1 had finally
determined on my course.
l had the luck" to meet an American
who had Just returned from South
America. He mentioned several sure
things in the way Of specula ton. and
painted such glowing picture of the
country that l was excited and I'M
patient. The bank had large deposits
that fall. and on the first day of Sep
TENDER we had nearly $4,000 of what
was called outside money. This was
cash temporarily deposited by the coun-
ty treasurer and by the cashiers OF
three or four manufacturing estab-
lishments. / had been waiting for such
an opportunity.
Between the 4th and 18th of SeDtem-
Der l arranged the details of my flight
1 planned to go to the bank at O'Clock
in the evening and secure admission.
The Waterman would not hesitate to let
me in l would then assault and over
come him. He could not give the alarm
before morning, and I would then be
far away 1 decided to make my coup
on the night of the 18th. AT the close
of business on the afternoon of that day
we had S107 900 in greenbacks In the
vaults After a bank has closed its
doors to the public at 4 o'clock p m.
there is work to keep the force busy for
an hour or so. For year had always
been the last one to leave, and my houf
had been 6 o'clock. The trusty day
porter was then left alone until o'clock
when he gave place to the regular night
Waterman. AT half past O'Clock tnat
afternoon, and just as the last clerk had
departed, the night Waterman came 10
E.Se- no d.
denly and to ask that a substitute be
employed He named man, but told
him that 1 would make my own ar
engagements.
When the Waterman had departed j
notified the day porter that he might
leave at O'Clock. as l had work winch
W Id detain me till about 8. Five min
u.es after I was alone in the bank
and it's funds were under my thumb.
The train by which I should leave town
was not due until 1850 and l was
therefore in no hurry. I locked I'D and
went to my boarding house to supper.
At o'clock 1 returned to the 6ank,
| pulled down the shades. lighted the
gas and in the course of twenty MIN
/ utes had packed every dollar in the
vaults into satchel provided for the
/ purpose. This satchel I placed on
| chair outside the railing. and had
sat down for a smoke when there was
rap at the door. 1 knew 1t was one OF
our force, but hardly expected to see the
]
L expected it was you" he said as he
entered: always the last to go. You
are working too hard and must take
rest. At meeting of the board today II
was decided to give you months leave
and a gift of $500 cash. You have been
/ faithful and efficient. and we wish you
to know how thoroughly you are appre-
GATED"
| / don't remember what I said in re-
ply, but I do remember that something
| like horror seized upon me at the idea
of my own baseness. Right here within
reach of his hand was the money l in
| tended to flee with, and yet he was law
ish in his praise of my integrity. He re-
manned only a brief time, and soon after
his departure 1 went outside to walk
about and plan a little. I hadn't given
up the idea of robbery and flight, but
/ still small voice was whispering to me
when a hand was laid on my arm and
/ turned to confront the leading merchant
of the town.
Look here" he said as we walked
along arm in arm, I've always done
business with Gleason because found
everything all right, but I'm going to
! begin with you tomorrow. Gleason is as
god as gold himself. but I don't fancy
! his new cashier. He's a high roller,
hear. and some day he may turn up
missing with all the Doodle he can
carry. No fear of that in your case"
And I had $107, 900 all packed up ana
was only waiting for train time to be-
come the neanest and most contempt
ible robber ever heard OF in the state.
Ever ybody is speaking in your
praise he continued. land you deserve