The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1907-09-06

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 transpire.
We'll, 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 a
strong case"
'Your Honor" was the reply, II am
prepared to prove an alibi, but am
unwilling to bring into court the wit
ness whom I depend upon"
"That is rather remarkable" said
the Justice. you know, my friend,
that you are accused of very serious
crime?"
II 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 1 would dislike to inconven.
ience." -
st went inconvenience me any, Mr..
Maulin," said boyish voice at the
rear of the room, and a slight youth
came elbowing his way forward.
He had under his arm thin, square
package carefully wrapped in paper.
Erred, what in the world are You
doing. here?" asked his father, the
banker. in establishment.
"Im 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, I was takin' photographs
yesterday afternoon" began Fred, af-
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 l 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,
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 Mr.. Nc
Gosh. An expression of wonder Gov.
cred the bankers face. What he saw
was a parlor wall with pictures and
portieres distinctly shown. piano
was in the foreground, and near it
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 4:05.
Eyes, that settles it," he admitted.
Permit me to congratulate you, SIR
and he grasped Franks hand. 81
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 few min-
utes after, he said:
"By the way, Maulin, what were
you doing at my house yesterday?
Did you want to see me?"
II may as well make clean breast
of it, sir" was the response. Il was
robbing you, but not of your cash.
1 have long determined to rob you OF
your daughter and, as she is willing,
l think you ought to be-" -
The audacity of his speech rather
staggered the father, and he gruffly
answered that he would see about it.
He saw about it to such good pur.
pose that the house of McCosh had II
wedding a few months thereafter and
Annie and Frank were the chief act
ors.
Perhaps he was somewhat infiu.
enced toward his leniency by the fact
that the $4,000 had been found 2
few days after the robbery in the
possession of the assistant cashier,
who proved to be the thief 1t was
not all gain, however, for half of it
made up the bankers wedding gift to
the newly-married pair.
Fred, who contributed so material
ly to the consummation devoutly to be
wished, was not forgotten, but was
presented by his brother-inlaw with
three-tigure check which purchased
vast assortment of traps for his
"den." To this day he revels in ex-
periments and schemes, but none of
them have turned to such good ac-
count as his instantaneous photog-
raphy which gave Annie husband,
made himself a stanch friend and put