Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-02-21

"Who besides yourself knows how
to open the vault?"
SThe bond teller and the receiving
teller" replied.
"And they are away on their vaca-
tons, are they not?"
Eyes, sir" | faltered, for OWNED the
meaning of his questions.
Here the treasurer returned. followed
by Jackson. Were you here this morn
ing at the time you promised Mr.. Con-
way you would be?" the president
asked jackson.
Jackson glanced around in surprise
at the group he saw inside the vault.
ut was an impossibility for NE to full
fill my PROMISE" he answered. San
aunt of mine over in Camden who has
been i'll for some time died last even
ing, and, as / am her sole relative and
heir to what little she possessed, was
compelled to go over to Camden last
night. L expected to return in time to
Keep my word with Mr.. Conway. But
was unable to complete the arrange
ments for the funeral and some other
minor matters relating to the will until
this morning, and / had only just ar
hAfCN oO bhC "lACh NIL
(the treasurer) informed me you
wished to see me-"
Then he added, in deep concern: "T
sincerely hope the inability to keep my
promise has not been the cause of any
trouble"
'Well, whatever trouble there may
be, the blame certainly cannot be at
tached to you, Mr.. jackson, under the
circumstances you have mentioned.
You may return to your work" Mr.. Per
~ said, after long pause.
81 intended to ask leave Of absence
for few days." Jackson began, in
hesitating manner. But If anything
has happened which would prevent
your granting it"
NO, no, nothing has happened which
would keep you here. Your request is
granted. Every consideration must
give way to DEATH" Mr.. Perry re-
sponded-
Jackson thanked the president in his
quiet and courteous way and left the
vault.
''It is past the time for beginning
business" the treasurer suggested.
The remark aroused Mr.. Perry from
the troubled and perplexed state the
loss of the money had plunged him
into.
'Is there any cash in the vault ?" he
asked.
"Yes, sir. All the gold and silver and
the receipts Of yesterday seem to be
here" replied.
well, get your money out to the
windows as quickly as you can, Con-
way, then come to my room. Mr.. Smith
son, call the police, and send messen-
gers to the trustees for an immediate
meeting. God, what q report to give
them!"
With a heavy heart and feeling that
| was treading on the verge of a preci-
pice I obeyed his behest. Then went
to his office.
Before the door leading out into the
vestibule one of the special police of
the bank was standing.
/ smiled bitterly, as / recognized the
fact that steps had already been taken
to prevent my leaving the bank.
Mr.. Perry was walking the floor; he
motioned to me to be seated. THE trus-
tees will wish to interview you," he
said, significantly.
well, let them. They'll get nothing
out of me-" replied. doggedly.
The president paused in his walk and
threw a searching glance at me. al
would advise you not to incriminate
yourself, Conway. before you are ac-
cused," he said, coldly.
I started to my feet. al mean just
what I say, Mr.. Perry. I understand
the position I am in. Why, sir, even
you, who have been my best friend-I
can see, even you, whom have never
given the least cause to doubt my hon
esty, suspect me-"
There was such a look came into his
face, such a sad look, that it quite IN
manned me.
Nelson" he began, "I don't wish to
doubt you. / have always considered
you one of my safe men. But do you
not see. my boy. what is against you?
You are the youngest man that has ever
held such an important position as you
hold in this bank. There was considera-
BILE opposition to giving you the place
on account of your youth. But insisted