Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1910-07-29
THE BANKERS DECOY.

MIND OCcdSlOneQ by natures anu OuSlneSS
uncertainty; but Marsden Sc Rylotty'S
ank had stood mistaken.
In consequence Of the aforesaid failures,
the deposits at Marsden's had expanded
enormously, and Mr.. Philip Marsden,
whose heart and soul were In the lifelong
work winch his father had ~founde~, fire.
Quently stayed eh!nd for an hour or so to
glance through the transactions Of the
day. carefully and quietly.
Mr.. Marsden had been a mastery finan-
,cier in his earlier days at the bank, con-
tiuring with monetary problems as boys do
with marbles.
some very ingenious uevices IN the con-
%struction of the building and its rooms
were attributable to his foresight, a~rtifice,
and care. Marsden was a dear old gen.
tleman, genial, happy, and exceedingly
kim to the staff in his employ, who, in
return, performed their duties to the very
letter, knowing the esteem in which their
services were held and substantially
recognized.
The moments wore on, and Mr.. Marsden,
with a yawn, rose from his seat, and was
just about to depart, when a knock at the
side door Of the office demanded his at
tention. Upon opening the door, a police
sergeant and two stalwart men in plain
clothes confronted him.
you are Mr.. Marsden, I believe, sir, the
head of the bank ?" inquired the sergeant,
In an anxious undertone.
That is so. l am Mr.. Marsden."
IT have some most important intelli-
gence to communicate. If you will grant us
a few minut in private, sir"
Indeed! Certainly. Step inside. And
these two gentlemen, who may they be?"
ASKED the banker, turning on his heel.
1.-Two detective officers engaged upon the
duty replied the sergeant, and the trio
were quickly usheTed into the private
sanctum of the banker.
II am staying rather later than usual
tonight; it is fortunate I had not gone"
Very fortunate, for our visit concerns
you most seriously"
Indeed" said nkv' Marsden, opening his
eyes widely, and popping his gold-rimmed
spectacles up on his forehead.
Yes, sir. From information which has
come into our possession, and which l
must ask you, In the interests Of public
justice, not to divulge, but to afford us
what assistance you can, 1 have to inform
you that a daring robbery is contemplated
upon your bank tonight"
II guess mott" said Mr.. Marsden, star
ing aghast. why, these premises are
proof against anything"
You may think so; but you don't know
these men. To go into the matter, sir, II
came about in his way: We were on the
scent of a notorious little gang of three
expert bank robbers and safe breaker a
short time since, and thorough smart fell
lows, too. But, unfortunately, We only
succeeded in running one to earth-the
others eIudea Us. The prisoner was con-
victed, and sentenced to ten years impri-
sonment; but, like similar cases we have
known, 1t subsequently came to his knoWl-
edge that his confeoerates had, since his
Incarceration, not acted up to their prom
ise In making provision for his aged
mother out OF their ill-got gains, SO he,
In a spirit Of revenge, peached upon them,
and furnished us with full information
concerning their whereabouts and future
intentions. From this point these two
other officers car better explain than L"
Great Heaven! you astound mel said
the aged banker, h became further agi-
tated.
DO not alarm yourself, sir: they will
IA, into their own trap, rest assured"
continued one of the detectives, taking up
the thread of the narrative. Yes, acting
or tho statement made by the prisoner,
my colleage and I instituted careful and,
] might say, cunning inquiries, for these
willy fellows are difficult to track. We
a " been unable to come upon the two
individuals themselves; but, after indefa-
tigable efforts from a roundabout source
q woman as usual being at the bottom of
five have learned that they intend
forcing Marsden & Rylotty's ban to-
night"
1.-THE scoundrels!'
but they will be trapped, sir. We have
hit upon q plan, and ask you to acquiesce
In our carrying it out"
Most certainly, whatever you think
best. What do you suggest"
well, we want to catch them red-hand-
ed, as 1t were, and ask your permission to
secret ourselves upon the premises for the
night, 50 as to be fully prepared. and wait
ing for our men"
Yes, yes. I presume o have written
authority"
Certainly, sir"
And one Of the plain clothes men drew
from his pocket the official document
bearing the name OF the chief of the de-
partment, which was quite satisfactory.
After consulting with our superiors,'
continued the officer, I'VE think that the
plan we have suggested. with your per-
mission, the most likely to insure success.
We should like you to furnish us with
your private address, so as to communi-
cate with you during the night, should
your services be required"
Yes, of course. No. 81 Madison ave-
nue."
THAI will be sufficient Thank you.
And the officer jotted the address down
quickly in his memorandum book.
After pointing out a ponderous iron safe,
which he hoped the villains would not turn
their attention to, Mr.. Philip Marsden
babe them good evening, requesting them
to let him know the instant he might be
wanted.
He departed In q feverish state of
anxiety. wondering. naturally, what the
night would bring forth.
Now. a few minutes after the old gentle
nan had left, the real character of the
pseudo-police officers was apparent. 1t
VAS quite true that a notorious little
gang OF bank robbers contemplated an at
Ack ON the bank that night and those
~icoundrels were actually none others than
themselves! Their warrant was a forgery.