Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-02-06
A Chapter From the Life of
a Famous Actress
By G. r. SIMS
CONTINUED FROM SEC TON ONE.

finally, things going on so we'll, they took
longer holidays than usual and didn't mind
about being away both together. "Mr.
Smedley" was now practically the firm. and
clients asked for no one else. II one of the
partners was in and saw client. the client
just said, How dye do" and then said
he would wait and see Mr.. Smedley.
When things were in this delightful posi-
ton Mr.. Smedley was very different from
handsome and amiable as ever. but not so
economical. He had a beautiful house in
town. and his wife had her horses and dia-
monds. and they gave grand parties and had
launched out in life which was costly
and extravaganza one
Everybody knew that Jack didn't do 1t on
year on BUT there was va no mystery
about IT, Jack. with his intimate knowl-
edge of the markets. had made coup after
coup on his own account. so it was said.
Why. 1t was common gossip that during
one panic he had made over 100000 in
American rails, and out of the electric light
boom while it had lasted he had cleared
One day-it was week before the din
ner party referred to at the opening of
this narrative-the partners came up to
town smiling and bland. and when they
arrived at the office they invited Mr.. Smed-
ley to favor them with few moments con-
versation In their private room.
They told him that in consideration of his
talents and his long. faithful service. they
had determined to take him into partner
ship.
dream of his life-never repay their kind
ness. etc.
Then they went into details and explained
that as there was to be a partnership. every
thing must OF course be done In a proper
way, and SO an accountant would come
and go through the books and put every
thing straight. SO that they might make
perfectly fair and business-like start as be-
tween themselves and their new and junior
partner
quite right" said Jack; and it was
~ unA hat thA AxA .sx.fo NJ aAc.
in on the following Monday to get the ac-
counts straight. and then the deeds should
be drawn up and the partnership should be
settled.
The night of the dinner party was the
night before the accountant was to COM
mence his labors. On the following morn
and kissed his wife. telling her he had to go
out Of town to see client OF the firms
who was i'll and wanted to sell out his
shares In various undertakings and invest
He didn't go to the office and the partners
were afraid he was i'll and sent up to his
house. Mrs. Smedley. astonished. wrote a
note to say he had gone out of town for
the firm.
Then the partners were astonished. too.
and couldn't make 1t out and didn't until
the accountant struck them speechless with
horror and amazement by informing them
that there was a sum of nearly 100000
which was not properly accounted for. and
could balance.
This led to a closer investigation. and
then there was no doubt to the motive
of the confidential clerks disappearance.
He had embezzled during the last five years
about 100000. and the offer of a partner
ship had necessitated thorough balancing
of the books. and that balancing he had not
thought 1t advisable to honor with his pres
ence.
Jack Smedley's disappearance was
nine days. wonder on the stock exchange.
and then 1t was forgotten. The partners
whose confidence Jack had SO shamefully
abused felt bound on public grounds to take
some steps In the matter. and they deter
mined to prosecute him. and the police is
sued advertisements and reward was Of
fered for his apprehension. But not the
slightest trace was ever found of the flu
gitive.
Poor Rose at first utterly refused to be-
lieve that her husband had gone of so
unceremoniously. Day after day she ex-
pected that he would find some means of
communicating with her and letting her
know where he was. She gave up everything