The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-15
[Chapter XIV. Continued from Yesterday

Mr.. Hamilton's manner was very cordial
and easy. Well as the several gentlemen
thought they knew him, they were not pre-
pared for so much composure and freedom
from nervousness. If not natural, then,
it was perfectly initiated. 1t appeared to
represent perfect innocence, and insensibly.
as each felt the cordial grasp of his hand
and the fine, genial warmth OF his manner,
their suspicious attitude became less ram
pant and more acquiescent to the probable
explanations he would offer.
A rumor of lost identity as the sequel
of his mysterious absence had already
reached them. early as ii was in the day;
and they were, therefore, prepared 10 listen
without interruptions or explanations, I'M
til he had finished the tale up to the awak-
ening Of his dormant perceptive faculties,
which had occurred, he said. but short
time previous to s,i his return of anv seconds
ere any one spoke. They were evidently
digesting in their minds this curious loss
of personality, which was the first instance
of the sort known to the most OF them.
At last Mr. Hartwell said. cautiously:
did you say your memory had returned
to your
life, L think, now with the exception of the
brief time when the suspension in my
ordinary faculties took place. Whether the
TO me 1 cannot tell. shall consult phys
ician in regard 10 the matter. AT present
it is all a blank.
You came to yourself in Seattle, you
say?"
yes"
Can you give us addresses there where
we may be able to learn corroborative
facts, Mr.. Hamilton"
Il can give you addresses of the work
men and of the men who owned the factory,
Barnacle q Co.; that is all, for / made few
acJuaintances, as you will understand.
But those with whom / came in contact
will readily corroborate my story"
The president took down four five
addresses given him by Mr.. Hamilton, after
saving graVely:
1T is necessary that the matter be thor
oughly investigated, as well for your sake
as ours
Certainly. l court the closest inquiry.
You will find all my declarations true"
mo doubt, said Mr.. Cowdrey, one of
the trustees, you have heard something
of the grave charges made against you.
Indeed, there is, believe, warrant out
for your arrest"
there was, but ii was awkward thing
TO say to man in his own house.
Mr.. Hamilton gave a start.
Il did not know that" he said; but il is
as well. perhaps, that the investigation
should be made public | wish you would
tell me exactly how matters stand at the
bank"
a succinct statement was made by the
united accounts of the president and trus-
tees, and by young Osborn whose position
at the bank was nominally that of teller
He was even shown the altered notes, the
letter thrust under the presidents door,
and Mr.. Simon Lows letter in regard to
Hamilton'S having presented one of them
to the National Bank in Boston. What
could have been harder to bear than this
if he were guilty? they thought, as they
watched him gravely studying the notes
and letters
The forgery was cleverly done.'' he said
handing them back. II could never have
detected it any more than Low did. and
Low is above suspicion, of course. No
doubt the matter is just as he states it.
A man resembling me. doubtless. presented
the note, or" and he hesitated.
IL H.,
'Or / did it myself" said Hamilton in a
low tone, evidently aware of the strange
position in which he placed himself by the
admission.
But he said. raising his head. not
defiantIy, but firmly. IF l did, / am no
more responsible than my little Perley for
But the mental delusion cost heavily.
Mr.. Hamilton. Your bondsmen paid 5000
for IT,"
[ shall settle the matter with them, as soon
as 1 can assure myself that there is no
conspiracy afoat.
Conspiracy. Mr. Hamilton
Yes, MIR. Hartwell- 1t is not improba BILE
that some person or persons took advantage
of my condition To rob me of my keys
and papers, write that letter to you. enter
disguise sufficient TO deceive Tony an6 Mr.
Low. At first. he writes. he thought il
was stranger; afterwards that ii was l..
But Low has many demands on his time
and attention. II is not impossible, | say,
that he may have been deceived"
But il was you who came back TO the
bank. anyway"
1t was Tony who spoke. at first seem
ingly with little doubt clinging to his
mind. But the anyway he brought out
boldly, almost defiantly, as he looked at
Mr. Hamilton. who for a moment lost his
composure. he did not answer st once,
and when he did IL was in hesitating way.
Il cannot dispute you. Tony. Would TO
: Heaven i could. But consider this. IL
II was l who came there, should / not
nave come home? would not my footsteps