Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-02-25

Mr.. Sem, this is Mr.. Prier, OF Bos-
ton," said Mr.. Barron.
| Gilbert Sem scarcely looked at Mr.
Prier, and made no motion toward
shaking hands with him.
"A detective, l presume" he asked
Yes. You know of the. need for
one?"
Il know Of the loss. The money-boS
is not in the safe"
And Mr. Prier says that the safe
was opened by some one who knew the
combination"
Mr. Sem bowed.
Il agree with him." he said.
You arc aware that only three per-
SONS knew of the combinations"
II am"
"You know that I have not robbed
my own bank?"
Il know you have not"
MY daughter says no one has learn
ed the combination from her"
II believe that Is true"
"Oh. Gilbert Sem, Gilbert Sem,
cried the old man holding out his hands
toward him with q strange yearnlng
written upon his face, and with q
grand faith in his voice, who can have
learned 1t from you? Tell us; help us;
who was lt?"
NO one. l never revealed the COM
bination"
But, Gilbert, you surely cannot be
guilty. I should learn to distrust ev-
cry one if l found that possible. There
must be some explanation-some clew.
Only say that you are innocent-only
say it-and l will believe it in spite Of
anything which chance or circumstance
may have piled up against you"
Thank you
The old mans hands trembled where
they rested upon the desk before him.
1t is sad when a man who has found
only goodness and truth in the faces Of
fellows his whole life long must look
out from under gray eyebrows, search
ing in sorrow and suspicion for sin and
fraud.
Mr.. Sem turned toward the detec-
tive.
You are in the employ Of Mr. Bar
ROM" he asked.
Il am"
And not in that Of the authorities"
so far rs this robbery is concerned
no.
And you will do his bidding, and his
only?"
"Yes-as regards the robbery"
VERY we'll; /"
"Will you not say it? say it soon?"
interrupted Mr. Barron; SAY you are
Innocent"
Il am guilty." said Gilbert Sem.
"Guilty?" shouted Mr.. Barron.
But Mr.. Prier, who seemed to take
pleasure in comparing those with whom
he had to deal with the characters Of
history-especially Bible history-mut-
tered a name to himself. Again, as In
his earlier morning interview, 1t was
not mere than a question: dubious
and unsatisfactory question:
"Ananias ?" was the uncomplimentary
term he used.
Il took the money" said Sem, an
swering Mr.. Barron's incredulous cry.
The detective sprang to his feet.
This is unprecedented" he said.
absolutely unprecedented. Have-have
you thought of-of the consequences in
making this avowal? Have you con-.
sidered-er-er-ever
Sem turned frankly and bravely to-
ward Prier.
II think l have" he said, quietly.
Whereupon the detective seated him.
self and relapsed into silence. His face
was grim enough, but you would not
have guessed that he would ever smile
again.
Il shall send you to prison." said Bar
ron
Il think you will not" replied Sem.
Il certainly will"
Then you will be ruined. Touch me
with the power of the law and you Will
never see a dollar of your money again.
1t Is hidden-well hidden"
1T can be searched for"
1T will not be found Besides that,
you cannot afford delay"
Il think can. No one knows of this
loss"
"All the town knows it. l have told
dozen men this morning that it is
missing"
Then am ruined"
Not quite. l have urged that you be
allowed today in which to find the
money. The request will be granted. |
think"
And them"
Il will return the money"
You will return it?"
"On certain conditions"
Name them"
Freedom from prosecution"
81 grant that"
admission to partnership with you"
Your terms are hard, but I must
submit, / grant that. too"
And the hand Of your daughter in
marriage!"
Never, you scoundrel! My daughter
is engaged to an honest man.
she must break her engagement"
Never, you hound!"
1T is that, Mr.. Barron, or ruin
Welcome ruin, then. ii DO
you love my good and beautiful daugh-
ter?"
Il never saw your daughters beau
tiful face in my life"
"What-what-"
He paused. The door opened. Miss
Elsie Barron stood on the threshold.
To be Continued.