The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-01-14
NOT OFFICIALLY REPORTED,
BY EDGAR MELTON COOLEY. Icopyright, 1902. by Daily Story Pub Col

Copyright lSV<' py D~"s usxsx@xexxxxxesx@&xxxxxa ! placed all the stamps and cesh in the
 sWhiie idly inspecting the office during the afternoon 1 discovered knothole in the board ceiling. The second Hoor of the building was divided & into m o.,c,,lee omee room, the floor of which contained tho knot-hoie, was empty. I obtained the key under a pretense of examining the room with 2 % view of rent rsntaingi; fi., cou,d secure a good view of the postonce by looking through the keyhole. So rented the room, making small payment,
 That evening, from ooiocK unIn tn ths s hole, watching Bradford.
 During the entire time he appeared nervous and excited. In moments oI leisure he would stare aosenty at tns face marked with despair and wretch edness.
 "Finally the hour for closing arrived. saw him lock the outside door; say him place the stamps in the vault ana return with the money box, hlled with bills and coin; saw him count the small change that was in the money drawer in the desk; I saw him !. make da hon2 n2te oi
 Then he glanced around the room, ap- his eyes and precipitation on his brow,
 sI1 yahs hd sst wh hs Ssse ed hls pocket with the pills and silver; i 1t back In the vault and closed and locked the door. Then he advanced
 What thoughts must have passed through his mind at that moment as he stood upon the threshold Of honor anu disgrace! Never before nor since have ' ,at nY1 saw then.
 Presently he staggered to his desk and picked up a babys photograph. For a few brief moments he gazed at 1t in and. turning, reopened the vault, took the money from his pocket, placed 1t back in the box and locked the door. On his face was a bright gieam as of of my heart there surged cry God bless him.!
 With a smile on his face he turned out the light and hurried from my h1d- was startled when he recognized me. but I held out my hand.
 Bradford said I. pressing his hand in mine. you couldn't do it., coyld you? T couldn't do it.: I couldn't break my wife's heart and bring everlasting dis grace upon my baby boy
 Now. my boy said I, kindly, don't DdCk- Itil AtC ihO ASos t'SA "~NfS can help you.
 "He looked me in the eye moment. Then he said:
 "T will trust you, sir. I have been too extravagant in my living and have used about $500 of the office funds. did not intend to steal; I expected to make it good. but I do not see how l can. I decided to run away. but I can't do 1t, sir; I can't do it.
 T rested my hand on his shoulder. Bradford said I, I believe you are hon. est at heart. It Is not too late to rec tify your mistake. Go home now and go to bed. In the morning I will see what can be done
 "He looked at me with tears in his eyes. Thank you, sir he said.
 Well" continued the old secret ser vice man. after a pause. T told the postmaster everything, but secured promise from him to give Bradford an other chance. Between us we made up the deficit, taking Bradford's notes. These notes were paid not long since, and today Bradford is holding an inn portant Government position and Is en- tirely trustworthy. As had not been detailed upon the case, I made no re- port of it, but I have always been thank. ful that missed my train that morning. by Julian Stanford.