The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1907-11-16

a sensation. Morning papers. all
about the bank robbery was their
cry.
The Daily Journal. which had the
most condensed account of the affair,
said this:
yesterday afternoon about four
o'clock, as shown by the time LOCK.
the safe of the First National Bank
was broken open and $4,000 in papers
and currency taken. The suspicion
rests upon the cashier. Mr.. Frank
Mauln, who, though bearing good
character heretofore, is suspected be-
cause he was the only one thorough
ly conversant with the amount in the
safe Mr.. McCosh, the president, was
in Richmond all day. and only learn
ed of the loss this morning upon COM
ing down to the bank. Maulin has
been arrested and an examination
will be held this afternoon at half
past three o'clock"
Frank was in 4 quandary. He had
tried to explain things to Mr.. Nc
Gosh, but that choleric gentleman had
refused to listen to explanations. He
hated to bring in Annie's name. and
had waited so long in hesitation that
a warrant had been issued and he
was brought before the justice of the
peace to give bail. This he did, and
determined to wait until the examina-
ton before showing his hand" as he
expressed it.
The court room was crowded.
Everybody knew Frank Maulin. and
everybody wanted to see just what
would transpiIe.
well, SIR" said the justice, after
the evidence for the State was all in.
what have you to say for yourself?
The assistant cashier has testified
that you entered the bank at four
o'clock, and surely that makes
strong case"
Your Honor" was the reply. Il am
prepared to prove an alibi. but am
unwilling to bring into court the wit
ness whom l depend upon
THAT is rather remarkable" said
that you are accused of very serious
crime?"
Il am aware of that, sir, but my call
ing upon the only witness who can
prove my absence from the bank at
that hour would compromise one
whom l would dislike to inconven.
ience'
1T won't inconvenience me any, Mr..
Maulin," said a boyish voice at the
rear of the room, and slight youth
came elbowing his way forward.
He had under his arm thin. square
package carefully wrapped in paper.
Fred, what in the world are yOr
doing here?" asked his father, the
banker in establishment.
I'm going to testify, if Justice Long
Will let me-" was the answer
"Of course I'll let you if you have
anything worth hearing said the
Judge. benignantly.
"Well, l was takin' photographs
yesterday afternoon" began Fred, at
ter being sworn, land sister had some
body .visitin' her in the parlor. l let
the camera down outside the house
an took a picture of the parlor. 1t
was bright in there, an got a good
one. That's it," handing the justice
the fiat, square package.
Slowly his honor unwrapped it. AS
he took out the cardboard inclosed, a
quizzical look overspread his features.
Then, with laugh shining in his face,
he reached out his hand to Frank.
"All right, my boy" he said, cord
tally. You have good alibi.'
He handed the picture to MIR. NC
Gosh. An expression of wonder COW
cred the bankers face. What he saw
was a parlor wall with pictures and
portieres distinctly shown. piano
was in the foreground. and near 1t
stood Frank Maulin, his face turned
toward a slender form which was sit
ting before the keys. In the musician
he recognized his daughter Annie,
while the French clock on the mantel
pointed to 4:O5.
"Yes, that settles it," he admitted.
FcTUllL ulC To COu6IdluldlC sOu, oAA,
and he grasped Franks hand. Il
never believed it of you. but you know
the evidence was hard against you"
Spectators crowded around and
wanted to see the picture, but Mr..
McCosh put it in his pocket.
When they were alone a few mia
utes after. he said:
by the way, Maulin, what were
you doing at my house yesterday?
Did you want to see me-"
Il may as well make clean breast
of it, SIR" was the response. Il was