The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1907-10-21

- compromising advantages, although he did
not admit it. OutwardIy he much dis
turbed but there undercurrent Of satisfaction
occasionally discernble
To understand this strange and unobtrusive spirit
of contentment one must know something of the cir
cumstances which may be given briefly as follows:
Fem was a manufacturing jeweer and had all Of
the third floor of modest store and office building
for his workrooms and showrooms. He also had
cashier upon whom he had learned to look with much
approval. She very satisfactory cashier, but
he was of the opinion that she would be even more
satisfactory wife. The cashier however, did
not to take his view Of the desiTabty Of esta5
fishing other than strict business relations with him.
and ne had reached the conclusion that the influence
of one Desson was largely responsible for this. With
Desson properly out Of the way, the field would be
reasonably clear.
Now it would have been the easiest thing in the
world for Fem to discharge Desson, but he would
not then be properly" out Of the way-in fact he
would not be cut Of the way at all, far any
matrimonial purpose concerned on the con-
trary, the apparent injustice Of this would be likely
to make him important factor in the stu
alton than before But Desson happened to be the
to whom suspicion pointed in the matter of this
theft Desson as a thief would be eliminated while
Desson martyr would be merely greater menace.
So Fem able to take philosoDhic view Of his
loss, which than he would have paid
cheerfny to gain the object he sought. Such wife,
he reelected, cheap at any price.
Fenn's position the more advantageous be-
cause he had at no time presumed upon the fact
that he her employer to force his attentions
the girl He had given evidence of his interest.
which she had received with such Indifference
to convince him that else occupied her
thoughts and he not long in deciding that Desson
was the man. Thereupon he had withdrawn to study
the situation A wise young woman ought not to
hesitate between her employer and her fellow clerk,
but it is welknown fact that young
disposed to be foolish in affairs of the heart Fem
could see, however, that this development going
to make great difference, and there consola-
ton in the less.
His first impulse to have Desson arrested at
once, but his lawyer advised against this The
circumstances made the presumption of guilt strong,
but there was annoying lack of direct legal evil
dence. Certain articles left to be repaired, had dis
appeared The repair department had special safe
of its own directly back of the cashiers cage, and
This safe was in charge of Desson He kept record
Of everything delivered to the workmen which record
was checked up by the cashier twiceonce when the
articles were delivered, and again when they
Teturned-and then filed in Fenn's office report
fof the work of that department for the day Coming
pr going, everything passed through the cashiers
wicket but her jurisdiction and responsibility ended
after checking up the record with Desson, for she
had no access to the ~Gfe and nothing to do with
putting the articles away for the night; she simply
verified the report and delivered it to Fem
The lawyer listened to this examination, and shook
his head.
at is not legally convincing" he declared "Act
hastily and you'll accomplish nothing What's
his explanations"
"1Ie offers none"
And hersT'
Her knowledge does not so beyond the record
sheet, which she checked up and turned me.
talked to her first. without telling her just what
The trouble was aud she assured that she checked
up carefully and found everything there
How about collusion?" persisted the lawyer
oh entirely out Of the question" answered Fem,
quickly. I'D trust Miss Walters with my bank
Count. Besides, he admits that everything there
her out
what does he say?
HE says he does not know when or how the things
ttlld have been taken; they simply gone when
called for which several days after the workmen
haq finished with them. That is another thing that
makes it look bad for Desson; person who lacked
his knowledge could hardly have picked out the par
ticrlar things that would not have to be produced
when the repair men went to work in the morning
You can see how this may have delayed the discovery
II i called for"
1t looks bad" admitted the lawyer "but it's case
Tor detective first
at occurred to me-" suggested Fem that with the
in such a way as to overwhelm him If not an ar
res, Immediately afterward might do the business.
., Possible, but not probable, returned the lawyer
Meanwhile, you put him his guard and destroy
az chance of securing the necessary evidence. He
ont try 10 dispose of the stolen articles long
he thinks he is under suspicion. 1t won't do to be
nasty
NO., said Fenn there are personal reasons why
/ do not want to appear hasty unjust but don't
wish to delay action longer than is necessary
q, ihen nave him watched" advised the lawyer;
"get detective, and let me know all the develop
ments.'
Fem followed this advice. which gave him the
reputation OF being most just and considerable man.
for of course the other employees knew that crcum
stances pointed strongly to Desson as the guilty man.
Even Miss Walters seemed to be impressed and Fem
noted with satisfaction many indications of a mis-
understanding between her and Desson. Evidently
he thought the exposure had come in time she had
not reached that stage of loveblindness that makes
1t impossible to Judge fairly and this was gratifying;
1t encouraged him to remark that while the case
seemed convincing. he wished to be absolutely sure
20 which she replied perfunctorily that it was very
generous of him.
AS matter of fact. the detective emplsyed dis
covered practically evidence Desson had
no bad habits and was In no serious financial difEcr