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

lowing morning. 1 bought some news
papers. and eagerly read all the ac-
counts. Every paper. without actually
| stating the facts in so many words
gave out strong hints that was some
how connected with the affair. | no
| ticed. also. that passers-by looked
around after me. Many men with whom
l had bowling acquaintance turned
their heads and pretended not to see
me. l realized in great bitterness of
Esprit that was already a marked man,
suspected, and therefore Stunned.
1 1t is a lamentable fact that often a
.suspicion of a man runs through the
general public without any just reason
| The current in such an event is over
, whelming, and il is useless to try to
4 stem it, as l soon realized.
When | entered the lobby on my way
to Mr.. Perrys private office, | was ia
vored by having the curious glances of
my former associates thrown at me,
| but only one of them extended to me
salutation. That one was Horace
| Jackson, and he smiled as he bowed.
The president was writing when l
entered, but he laid aside his pen when
he saw me.
Take a seat, Conway" he said.
1 did as requested. My heart was
heavy before, but it was heavier when
noticed the troubled look on his face.
MIR. Perry, have you read the pa
pers?" asked.
The president nodded assent.
"How is it that such a general i'm
ii H.. hnt haI
| something to do with the affair? Who
has started such rumor?"
81 do not know, Conway, unless the
police have given public expression to
their opinion"
THE police. And what is their opin-
/ ion? Was 1t not shown beyond any
| doubt that 1 was miles away from the
| vault at the time that the robbery must
I must have been committed? Isay moth
ing about my own assertions. But how
| can anyone doubt the word of a man
of Mr.. Morley's standing?"
"Well, Conway, NO one does doubt
| that you told the truth in that. But"
Mr.. Perry seemed loath to proceed.
But what, sirP" 1 demanded, after
a pause.
THE detectives theory is that you
had accomplices, who, from directions
given by you, were able to carry out a
prearranged plan"
/ answered with a scornful laugh.
"Accomplicesl Who are they?"
| asked.
well, suppose they are looking for
them" MIR. Perry said, with half
smile.
81 hops they'll enjoy the search" 1
said, sarcastically. "Oh, Mr.. Perry, why
is this thing brought upon me? Why
am L so universally suspected, when
nothing can be shown against me? II
| there is enough cause TO attribute the
| robbery to me. why am L not arrested p
1--WE had hoped to keep the affair Sc
cret, for time at least. Therefore
! some few of the trustees thought it
best not to make it public, as having
you arrested would have done. We were
all pledged to secrecy. but somehow the
affair got abroad. l suppose you did
not mention it?"
'No, indeed. i have not spoken TO n
soul on the subject" 4 replied. nj
Perry" cried, impulsively. you do not
believe l am guilty, do your"
'T do not wish to believe So" he re-
piled, guardedly.
"Oh, think, sir, what this terrible af-
fair means to mel 1t is fearful bur-
den for a young fellow to bear who is
| wholly innocent"
ut is, indeed. But, you see, it is this
way. The bank is public institution.
and 1, as its head, dare not let my per-
sonal feelings interfere with my duty
to the public. Personally, it does not
l,seem possible that you could have any
connection with the loss of the peoples
money"
"Oh. thank you, Mr.. Perry knew
you could not think"
N He cut me short. Officially, I must
hold you in doubt, so much so at least
that 1 cannot give you back your po-
sition."
"And did you suppose I expected to
remain ?" asked. Indignantly. al could
mot. want to hold no position where
Eabsolute and perfect confidence is not
kfelt in me. You can consider this as my
| resignation, sir" added.
81 am glad you look upon it in that
light. It is manly, sir" said Mr.. Perry.
"And, Nelson, not even the restoration
,,of the missing funds would give me as
Egreat pleasure as the establishment of
fyour innocence"
Il Never fear, sir, my innocence will
hsoon be proved. 1t cannot be otherwise,
for am innocent" 1 said, confidently.
III have a small estate which came to
fine from my grandfather" continued.
l. ii 81
esssry. for the purpose of proving my
| innocence"
| you can do as you see fit about that, "
| the president said, after long pause,
Fduring which he seemed to be ponder
ing over my words. but if you wish
Flor my advice, 1 would say, do nothing
Whatever on your own hook. Nelson"
he continued, coming close up to me and
speaking low, secret measures have al
ready been begun to solve the mystery.
and they will be thorough and far
| reaching. This is wholly independent
Il of any Investigations the notice an