The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1908-04-13

~ EADf4 AA3r L9sl
But daylight, after a 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.
As early as possible be sent this tele-
gram.
Must have $4,000 by 12 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 eYentful one for
the village bank. Scarcely we're the
doors open before a desultory string
Of depositors faced the wicket to draw
out their balances. A little later the
checks OF Duckworth g Jackson com
menced to come In, and the cash
dRihdled
The patrons had never seen the
cashier so slow and deliberate in his
movements. He inspected each check
several times over, referred constant
ly to various books and ledgers and
counted the cash with great exact
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 ths
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, i'll, or more likely still,
unwilling to embark upon such du-
blous mission. Any one of a dozen
things might prevent her coming.
With the SOLDERING influence Of the
counting-room 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 he to
save himself through her sympathies?
Hawkinsmth, the big Eagle creek
farmer, presented a check for 500.
There was not that much money in
the bank. Dudley held his breath
for the fate of the institution lay in
the answer to a simple question:
Cash or depost?"
Deposit"
The next customer was a stranger
with check which also exceeded the
cash supply Dudley caught at
straw I'm sorry, but as you are a
stranger, shall have to ask for iden'
tlfication. Please have Mr.. Duckworth
call with you" The man went out and
the banker again breathed
Fifteen minutes dragged by and tho
stranger and Duckworth might step
In at any minute Just then wheels
grated shrilly upon the gravel and the
cashier caught glimpse OF steaming
horses guided skilfully By the single
occupant Of the buggy. a closelyveiled
woman Calling his bookkeeper to the
window, he rushed out to extend his
greeting and carry heavy Yalise into
HIS private office.
Miss Leigh removed her veil and
disclosed a radiant face. Here's the
money. Mr. Dudley" she announced,
triumphantly. Il hope the bank is
still safe; It isn't IL yet" Within the
valise we're packages Of bills and car
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-the
bank might be considered insolyent
and / have no adequate security to
offer you"
, The girl laughed nervously, her at
titude showing the strain Of the pre-
cedlng hours.
well" Evidently she had plan
but paused and looked demurely al
Dudley.
Il might offer you myself" that In
dividual yentured. seeing a grea'
light.
After a pretended reflection, Miss
! Leigh announced her decision, hei
I merry eyes quite belying the exag
1 gerated air Of business:
+ Il have never cared for personal Sc
Q curity, but presume might make al
exception in your case
e The bookkeeper was tapping impa
s tlently upon the door. Mr.. Dudley.
3 he called, you're wanted here"
l. I'm minute the cashier promised
5 and he utilized the minute by taxing
g the blushing young woman into ht
n arms and kissing her
II - -
Expensive Advertising.
y Redd-Some people are just Graz
a tn eea their namps in Drint. yO