The Meeker herald., 1908-08-29

But daylight. after sleepless night.
found the mind of Dudley fully COM
mitted to the course-he would ap-
peal to Ethel Leigh to save the Bank
Of Leone. No train came from the city
until late in the afternoon and he did
not dare to trust the events Of the day.
Az early as possible he sent this tele-
gram.
Must have $4,000 by - O'Clock or
Bank of Leone Is doomed. Can you
not come to my rescue with that sum
actual cash. Secure team and drive
here with all haste"
The day was an eventful one for
the village bank. Scarcely were the
doors open before desultory string
OF depositors faced the wicket to draw
out their balances. A little later tho
checks of Duckworth & Jackson COM
menced to come In, and the cash
dwindled.
The patrons had never seen the
cashier 30 slow and deliberate in his
movements. He inspected each check
several times over, referred constant
ly to various books and ledgers and
|
ness.
But not full minute passed with
out the bankers eyes seeking the
clock. The hour of ten arrived and
passed and then. after an interval that
seemed endless, the hand drew near
to the IL symbol. AS the cash sank
lower in the drawer. he strained his
ears for the sound OF wheels. Relief
might come in time. but the chance
seemed slight. No answering tele-
gram had arrived; Miss Leigh might
be from home. Ill. or more likely stll.
unwilling to embark upon such = du-
bious mission. Any one Of q dozen
things might prevent her coming.
With the SOLDERING influence Of the
counting-r0om upon him, too, Dudley
regretted sending the telegram. 1t
was questionable business to thus ap-
peal to anyone. much less an unad-
| vised woman. What right had be to
save himself through her sympathies?
Hawkinsmith. the big Eagle creek
farmer, presented check for $500.
There was not that much money in
the bank. Dudley held his breath
the answer to simple question:
Cash or deposit?"
Deposit"
The next customer was stranger
with a check which also exceeded the
cash supply. Dudley caught at a
straw. I'm sorry. but as you are
stranger, shall have to ask for iden-
LITIGATION. Please have Mr.. Duckworth
call with you" The man went out and
the banker again breathed.
Fifteen minutes dragged by and the
stranger and Duckworth might step
in at any minute. Just then wheels
grated shrilly upon the gravel and the
cashier caught a glimpse of stea,ning
horses guided skilfully by the single
occupant of the buggy. a closely-veiled
| woman. Calling his bookkeeper to tae
window, he rushed out to extend his
greeting and carry heavy valise into
his private office.
Miss Leigh removed her veil and
disclosed RADIANT face. Here's the
money. Mr.. Dudley" she announced.
triumphantly. 81 hope the bank is
| still safe; 1t isn't IL yet" Within the
tons of gold and silver.
The banker was beset with varying
emotions; but his business instinct
and sense of honor secured the mas.
terry. Miss Leigh" he protested. Il
should not accept this money-tha
bank might be considered insolvent.
and have no adequate security to
offer you"
The girl laughed nervously. her at.
titude showing the strain of the pre-
ceding hours.
well Evidently she had a plan.
but paused and looked demurely at
Dudley.
II might offer you myself" that In
dividual ventured. seeing grea.
light.
After a pretended reflection. Miss
Leigh announced her decision, her
merry eyes quite belying the exag-
gerated air Of business:
II have never cared for personal Sc
curity. but presume I might make an
exception in your case"
The bookkeeper was tapping impa
tiently upon the door. "Mr. Dudley"
he called. you're wanted here
I'm minute" the cashier promised.
and he utilized the minute by taking
the blushing young woman into h;s
arms and kissing her.
Expensive Advertising.
Redd-Some people are Just crazy
to see their names in print, you
know.
Greene-Yes. I know; my Chauffeur
has been arrested for speeding six
tfmes!-fonkers Statesman.