The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1902-10-07
= AM AS INNooENT AS ErrHER OF You..

ty years. The managers of the Nelson
department store, which lay on Johns
route. claimed that their mail had been
and cash sent loose in letters. Before
lodging any complaint they had con-
Quoted small detective campaign of
their own. Twenty letters containing
money had been sent to as many places
to be forwarded to the concern. Only
fifteen came to light 1t could not be
argued that the missing five had been
lost in the mails. The Nelson people
pointed the finger of suspicion at old
John.
John had gained white hair and hon
or in the postal service. During the
first ten years of his work there was
not single mark against him. In the
second term there was just one-he
had been marked "late" because of the
illness of his daughter.
Rugby was detailed on the case and
prepared ten decoy letters inclosing
marked money. He took them to va
rfous points within a few miles of the
city and had them directed by strange
hands. He saw them arrive In the
postof1ce, saw them placed in the old
mans pouch, saw him start out with
them. Then he followed the old car
rier with a feeling almost self con-
demnatory.
After covering half Of his route
Compton stopped for ten minutes at
his own home, which was in a fat
house. He came out whistling and
went on his way. Rugby was seated
in dim nook of the Nelson Office
when Compton reached the little win
dow and handed over the mail In
stantly he counted the decoy letters.
Only six of the ten had been delivered.
These were the facts that Inspector
Smith was reviewing as he sat in the
dull twilight. When Rugby and Comp
ton entered Smiths Office there was a
look of wonder in the old mans eyes,
but no trace Of guilt or anxiety. When
told of the charge, he smiled almost
childishly. When ordered to empty
his pockets, he complied without the
least hesitation, yet of the $12 he laid
on the table no less than $40 was in
the marked money. When this was
pointed out to him, his confiding smile
vanished, and he turned pale as he
said:
"Why, l got this money only two
hours ago. gave ten dollar bill in
exchange"
'aThen Of course you can name the
party and clear yourselfY' asked
Smith kindly.
"Of course can. It-was-was'-
There he stopped A queer change
came over his face. His lips quivered
like those of trusting child who had
Unexpectedly received a blow from the
hand 1t loved Suddenly he drew him
self up and looked from Smith to Rug
by.
do either of you gentlemen believe
that l have turned thief in my old
age?"
1--WE don't want to believe it," was
the reply, "but letters have been stol-
en-. and you have the money that was
inclosed in them"
"And yet l am as innocent as either
of you"
81 hope so. Where did you change
the money!
Il cannot say" he replied, with tight
ly compressed lips.
do you know who took those let
ters?'
A spasm of pain crossed the old mans
face, but he quickly recovered.
81 do not know"
Smith and Rugby looked at each 9TH
er helplessly. Finally Smith spoke
you know, of course, Mr.. Compton,
the gravity of this offense and the pen
alty?'
Compton shivered slightly His voice
was firm, but so low that the two in
spectors could hardly catch the words.
Il know the penalty, yes-prison. It's
useless to have any trial | will plead
guilty The less fuss there's over 1t
the easier 1t will be -for-others."
His voice broke on the last word.
The inspectors instantly suspected that
he was shielding the real culprit Smith
acted quickly. He laid his hand cor
daily on Compton's shoulder.
"See here, Compton; we can't be-
Ieve this of you. It's our duty to place
you under immediate arrest, but we're
going to give you another chance
We're going to investigate further. and
we ask only your word that you won't
jump the town"
The old man seemed terror stricken.
He avowed his guilt in piteous tones
and begged to be arrested, but Smith
and Rugby were firm and sent him
from their presence a tottering, sob
bling man.
For the next few days, while John
went over his route like one In a
dream, Rugby investigated the life of
the old carriers daughter. He quickly
discovered that she dressed far above
her station and income and INDUCED in |