Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-03-07

"Ahl 1 suppose the women are su-
perstitious and think the place is
haunted. Such ideas generally get
abroad about old. lohg vacated houses.
But you do not mind their talk2
You are not afraid of ghosts. are your"
The old fellows eyes twinkled merri.y.
We'll l have never come across any
of those shadowy beings. 1 could tell
better after i met one. / hardly think
talk alone could brighten me-" 1 replied,
somewhat shamefacedly, remembering
how nearly / had been unnerved the
night before by my own reflection.
Il win be over some time tomorrow,
and will see If anything can be done re-
garding the mysterious cellar" Mr.,
Sonntag said, as rose to leave. "An6
pardon me for referring to the unfor-
tunate affair-have you heard of any
new developments in the robbery case 2"
"Whatl" exclaimed. you know Of it
too?"
Certainly. lived near Philadelphia
at the time and read the papers" no
replied. smilingly.
at seems cannot escape hearing of
that terrible affair" said, bitterly.
And I acted the part of fool. too. In
the matter. Instead of putting forth
every effort to find the perpetrators 1
let the thing go; let others, who could
not possibly have had the interest in
the case that had, undertake insesti-
cations. 1 am rightly served for my
supineness, for have heard nothing
about 1t at all. I know what knew
the morning Of it's occurrence, not bit
more. Others have failed; intend to
zee now what can do"
"You intend going into the affair,
thenT he said. dryly.
az do, with all the energy and re-
source am possessed OF"
DO you know how near you came
to being arrested for the crime7"
Sonntag asked.
Why, yes. know, Of course, that
would have happened could anything
have been found against me-"
We'll, there was enough to hold you.
on suspicion at least"
Then why did you not arrest me?
am sure I was willing. courted a
trial"
1T was very seriously talked of
among the trustees. But the president
opposed it, for one" Sonntag said.
yes, I know he really believed me
nnocent-"
But his objection was not the strong
st influence which arose In your be-
air. continued my agent ''The
trongest, most powerful opposition to
our arrest came from one whose infIu-
nee outweighs even the presidents"
"One of the trustees f'' asked, eager
"Yea-
you cannot mean
Sylvester Morley" interrupted the
lawyer.
'Mr. Morleyi" exclaimed, joyfully.
For knew, great as Sylvester Morley's
influence was, there was one who WELD
ed greater, since she could influence
her father. Was 1t her sweet self that
had come to my aid through her
father? It would be happiness to know
this; but then-why had she passed
me without a greeting?
My face must have told a whole story
to the shrewd old lawyer. When /
turned toward him again there was a
very grave expression on his face, and a
contemplative look about his sharp
eyes as he regarded me.
"You seem highly elated by this" he
said.
'Oh. am. What young man would
| not feel highly honored in knowing
that a man of Mr.. Morley's standing
had defended him 2" exclaimed.
The old fellow saw the blush which
spread over my face, however,, and he
| smiled as he replied; 'T do not court
your confidence, but 1t Is plain there Is
some power behind Mr.. Morley which
led that gentleman to defend you. Now,
believe me. Mr.. Conway, do not ask
for curiosity; there Is a grave purpose
In the question am about to ask YOU"
he went on, as the smile died from his
face and what seemed to me to be deep
concern appeared instead. THE ques-
ton Is this: Are you an especial friend
Of Miss Morley's? Are you engaged TO
marry her7"
mo. But, had the suspicion of the
robbery not fallen upon me, probably
would have asked her to be my wife
long before now" replied, rather won
dering ut myself for telling this to the
old fellow on so short an acquaintance.
"Ah, she loves you, then?"
"That I cannot say. believe she did
| think very highly of me at one time;
but promised not to hold any COM
| munication with her until my inno-
| cence was known It Is year since
then Whether her feeling for me has
changed or not do not know"
You have stuck to your promise,
then?''
why, certainly" answered, with
some indignation at the implied doubt
Of me.
Nov about the investigation you de-
| sire TO engage In" Sonntag said,
| changing the subject rather abruptly.
"What do you propose to do2 How go
about it7"
"Oh, hire some smart detective" j
| replied. Il suppose that will be the
| only way. What else can do?"
do you think the bank officials have
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