The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-07-13

aCerS the Other night was a
tall, fine-looking man, ac-
dressed in the newest summer
fashion. They made such fine
looking pair that they attracted
more than passing attention. Standing
IN the lobby watching the people were
Two young men, one bearing the dis
tlnct Wall street stamp, the other evil
IDENTIFY a stranger in the city who was
seeing the sights.
Mote that couple whispered the
Wall street youth to his friend. There
is a peculiar story in connection with
the man. The curtain will not go up
for ten minutes yet. Come next door
and have drink and I'll tell you"
At the bar of an adjoining cafe the
young man from Wall street told the
following tale:
THE man l called your attention to
is named-well let us say Adams. That
will do for story telling purposes. The
young woman with him is his wife.
They were married few weeks ago
and have recently returned from trip
abroad. He is connected with a bank
down town and holds responsible po-
Sition. At one time, though-but !
am getting ahead of my story.
The bank directors, of which my
father is one, met as usual to talk
OfC1 Ou01ACS0 1I1dILSIS dDOuI d year
ago. An even dozen of them sat
around the table in President Wilson'S
office and for an hour or so discussed
several investments, listened to the
reports of the various officers of the
institution and exchanged congratula-
tons over the banks prosperous con-
dition. 1t was nearly time for adjourn
ment when the president, referring to
a letter which he picked out of the mass
of documents the 0hIQ sold"
I have here communication from
Mr.. Adams, the paying teller. In it
he asks for an increase of salary, CIV
ing as his reason the fact of his ap-
preaching marriage and calling atten-
ton to his years of faithful service
what salary does he get?' asked
Penfleld, one of the richest men on the
board Of directors.
Twenty-Five hundred dollars a
year. replied the president.
Seems to me that's enough for a
young man to marry on spoke up
Blanchard, another millionaire. why,
when got married did not have half
that salary
"Other directors added dissenting
opinions and the president passing
the letter over to the secretary, told
him to reply to Adams that his request
for an increase of salary could not be
granted. Then the meeting adjourn
ed.
About a week later the bank was
suddenly placed in a precarious posi-
ton. There had been a failure in the
street, and the institution with which
Adams was connected was under a
heavy strain. To meet the expected
crisis 100000 in cash and negotiable
securities had been put aside as a
sort of reserve fund. While the Of
f1cials of the bank were not exactly
apprehensive, in panic times it is hard
to tell just what is going to happen.
A special meeting of the directors had
been called to discuss the situation.
The conference was interrupted by the
entrance of the cashier. He looked
pale and f1ustered. Apologizing to all
present, he made his way to the pres
ident's chair and whispered a few
words.
Tmpossible!' almost shouted that
official. Every man in this bank has
been here for years. They are above
such a thing. There must be some
mistake
" A thorough search has been made
replied the cashier, but no trace of the
package can be found
Addressing the assembled directors,
who had been watching the scene, the
president said:
Gentlemen, a serious matter has
900 in cash and securities is missing
from the safe. Under ordinary circum-
stances, such a loss as that would not
affect the bank. Just now it is mat
ter of deep concern, as the street is
shaky and the news of the loss might
result in run on the bank, with our
funds all tied up to protect invest
mentS, who can answer for the reSult?'
1.-THE directors looked at one another
in despair. Finally one mustered up
energy to ask:
els there any suspicion as to the
thief?'
"'Only Mr.. Adams and myself have
access to the vault replied the cashier.
"'When was the package put in the
safe" asked another director.
yesterday afternoon replied the
cashier. Tt was there when l went
home, I am positive
"'Was Mr.. Adams in the bank when
you left?'
Eyes. He said he had some ac-
counts to check up
When did you discover the loss?'
About an hour ago. I saw the
package was missing and waited until
Mr.. Adams returned from his lunch to
ask him about it. He said he knew
nothing about it. had a search made,
but there is no trace of it,
"'Better send for Adams suggested
Blanchard, who had been one of the
first to decry the advance of salary to
the teller. The thought of that appli-
cation required to all present. The
president touched an electric button
and a clerk appeared. Ask Mr.. Adams
to come in here said the president
And, as the clerk disappeared, he adj
ded: Gentlemen, whatever may tran
spire, the news of the defalcation-if
such it should prove to be-must be
kept a secret for the time, at least
The reputation of the bank is at stake