The Brunswick news. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 1901-1903, 1902-09-28


1t was the morning after the discov-
cry of an enormous shortage in the
accounts of the cashier of the United
National Bank, and everybody was
talking about the great robbery" and
wondering whether the defaulter
would get away or not Charlie was
particularly interested in the matter
Cor he was himself cashier in a bank
the Imperial
Now, it seems to me-" he solilo-
quized, as he gazed abruptly out OF the
opposite window at the passing shop
fronts. lit seems TO me that if a chap
was only smart enough he could do
it. Why, it would be almost the cas-
lest thing out if he and the teller-the
receiying-could go it hand-and- glove
together. But they are always caught
sooner or later; the chaps that try it
aren't smart enough by half"
And his thoughts came back TO the
case in hand. He soon found himself
wondering which direction the runa-
way had taken. and specializing upon
the quickest and safest route to for
eign territory. 1t is an exciting thing
a race against time, telegraph and the
officers of the law The manner and
means Of it are fascinating topics for
thought, especially for bank cashiers
Charlie was still musing upon the thing
as he alighted from the train and en-
tered the bank
a few moments afterward Fred
Allen, the receiving teller. came in. and
laying upon a chair the bank robbery"
extra, which he had been reading.
went to his desk Charlie opened the
safe, arranged his cash. and the bust
ness Of the day began
1t was a weary day for every one in
the bank There was not much bust
ness, and things were slow. without
any chance OF relief by conversation.
Alone, practically. with little to do and
no one to talk to, Charlie thought often
of the defalcation at the National
Bank. He pictured to himself all the
fine things that could be done With
$4,000. There We're a carriage and
horses. the opera. the theatre. fine
clothes, high living-and no work. De
cidedly fine prospect for any reason
able being. Charlie ampliGed the idea
divided it, and imagined each part to
himself in detail 1t was as pleasant
a way as any OF passing the time
which hung with unusual heavincss
upon him. And surely there could not
be the slightest harm in thinking.
When he grew tired Of this. which
was not soon, he looked at the money
around him, and ut the various en-
ployes of the bank W re they hon
est? Could they all be trusted? He
ran over the whole list in his mind,
weighing carefully in each case the
evidence pro and con, till he came to
Fred Allen. At the thought Of him
his mind reverted to his idea of the
early morning 1t would be so easy
for a receiving teller and n cashier
working together to do" the bank
He smiled and laughed softly to him
self IS he carried the thing out men
tally.
An impatient customer raped sharp
ly upon the glass before the desk.
Charlie started violently, recovered
tmself and attended to the customers
isisiness. After that calls were more
frequent and things went along more
briskly
At last banking hours drew to a
close, the books were settled for the
day, the safes We're securely locked.
and Charlie and his companions We're
free until tomorrow morning.
AS soon as duties were over Charlie
Joined Fred Allen on the pavement.
1t was their daily custom to walk for
a few minutes in the park before going
home. This evening they walked along
for some time in silence neither seemed
to know just how to breach the sub
ject which was uppermost in their
minds-fCr they both We're thinking
about the same thing. The chance
remark of passerby which reached
their ears got them started, however,
and soon they were fairly launched
in the discussion.
1T is sure thing: no one ever
could discover it." said Charlie
True" returned Allen, "the way
you put it, it does seem pretty safe.
But if we fail?'
The cashier shrugged his shoulders
ard coughed slightly.
IF we could do it and succeed,
though" continued Allen, sit would
be great, simply great" His eyes
shone bright with the idea. Besides, ?
he went on, with a change of tone,
''it's only a couple of days since Millie
was complaining again about our being
poor. Poor girl. / know it must be
hard on her, living like we do after
what she was used to once More
money would make things easier for
her Perhaps your scheme is worth
trying after all. Charlie"
~And in case we find ourselves in
danger of discovery, why. there is
fight have it all planned out"
Sitting down on one Of the benches,
they talked it over When they arose
evening had already come, and it was
growing dark rapidly.
$50 late already" exclaimed Allen,