The suburban citizen., 1902-09-13

1t was the morning after the dlscoN-
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
for he was himself cashier in bank
the Imperial.
Now. il 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
1t. Why, 1t would be almost the cas-
lest thing out if he and the teller-the
receiving-could go it hand-and-glove
together. But they are always caught
sooner or later; the chaps that try ii
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 speculating 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 busi-
ness of the day began.
1t was a weary day for every one in
the bank. There was not much busi-
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 were carriage and
horses, the opera, the theatre, fine
clothes, high living-and no work. De
cidedly a fine prospect for any reason
able being. Charlie ampllfied the idea,
divided il. and imagined each part to
himself in detail. 1t was as pleasant
a way as any Of passing the time
which hung with unusual heaviness
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 at the various en-
| ployes Of the bank. Wre they hon
est? Could they all he 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 a cashier
working together to do the bank
He smiled and laughed softly TO him
self as he carried the thing out men
tally.
An impatient customer raped sharp
ly upon the glass before the desk.
Charlie started violently, recovered
himself and attended to the customers
business. 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 were securely locked,
and Charlie and his companions were
free until tomorrow morning.
AS soon as duties were over Charlie
Joined Fred Allen on the pavement
1t was their daily custom to walk fol
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 brOach the sub
ject which was uppermost in theil
minds-for they both were thinking
about the same thing. The chance
remark Of a passerby which reached
their ears got them started, however
and soon they were fairly launched
in the discussion.
1T is sure thing; no one evel
could discover it, said Charlie.
True" returned Allen. "the way
you put it, it does seem pretty safe
But II we fail?"
The cashier shrugged his shoulder
and coughed slightly.
"If we could do II and succeed
though" continued Allen, lit woul'
be great, simply great" His eye
, shone bright with the idea. Besides,
he went on, with a change Of tone
"it's only a couple Of days since Mill
was complaining again about our bein
poor. Poor girl! know it must b
g hard on her, living like We do afte
8 what she was used TO once. Nor
money would make things easier 70
y her. Perhaps your scheme is wort
7 trying after all, Charlie"
b And IN case We find ourselves /
i danger Of discovery, why, there
q flight. have It all planned out"
Sitting down on one of the benches
: they talked it ever. When they aros
evening had already come, and Il wa
IL