Smyrna times., 1910-08-10

uOClOneu me 10 enter, and | fOunC
myself in small parlor not by any
means luxuriously furnished.
Let me see the pocketbook, per
haps can identify it, said the man,
looking sharp at me.
" have not brought it with me. -
"Oh, yes, you have!'' he said
walking toward me.
Indeed, l haven t., replied.
moving umcomfortably in my chair.
81 was sent direct from the store on
an errand to a house below here, and
| had not time to go home and get
the pocketbook. -
Without another word, he caught
hold OF me with his strong hands,
and felt into every pocket of nv
clothes. Having satisfied himself
that l told the truth, he burst into a
hysterical laugh, turned on his heel,
and left the room; as he did so he
closed the door after him, and | heard
the key turn in the lock.
sat like piece of marble. I
was afraid almost to breathe. Wha t
could this strange action mean? WHY
had he locked me in? | sat motion
less for a long time and finally l
heard footsteps hastily approaching.
The key turned, the door opened
quickly a gentleman entered with
an agitated look on his face.
"I'm afraid my brother has
frightened you - he said kindly.
1t was most unfortunate that I
happened to be out in the barn when
you came. The poor man is insane
and this is one of his bad dav. Was
there anything said about money?
" Yes, told him l had found a
pocketbook and had been told that the
owner resided here. -
"Ah, yes; that would start him.
Money is his mania. | hope YOU
will not mention anything that has
occurred here. We are very sensitive
about poor Bob's condition. We
come out here to be quiet
was much relieved to hear his
explanation, and | explained whv l
had called. He told me he was sor-
ry he could not help me, but he knew
of no such lady l described.
l returned to the station on foot.
after writing out notice to the
effect that had found a pocketbook
ON a certain train, on a certain dav.
and tacking it up in the station. |
left on the train for New York.
l expected to hear from the notice
every day, but no word came. | felt
more guilty than ever, and promised
more than once never to do a dis
honest act again. What unhappv
days | had spent, and what sleepless
nights Suppose my mother should
find the money in my drawer? Nor
worse still, suppose it should be
stolen! At last 7 decided to make a
clean breast Of the whole matter to
my mother, and that night | told
her everything. She heard me thro'
in silence.
"Well, my boy, l am glad you
resisted the temptation to spend the
money. l only see one thing to do.
1t is not safe to keep so much cash
in the house; tomorrow l will take
it down to the savings bank and
open an account in your name. Ii
the owner can be found it will be
an easy thing to draw the money out
and refund it. If no owner ever ap.
pears, why the money is in a safe
place. "
The following day my mother went
to the savings bank. She gave the
address to the receiving teller anc
handed him the $16O. The teller
counted over the money and left the
desk. In a few minutes he returned.
81 understood you to say you were
depositing this for your SOM" said
the teller.
Eyes sir, - replied my mother.
"He must come here and be
identified. Where can he be found
l will send runner for him.
90 don't want to put you to all
that trouble, sir. -
"Please take a seat, madam. -
My mother did as she was directed
and gave the runner my address. ]
was at the bank in fifteen minutes.
and, with my mother, was ushereC
into the luxurious private office Of
the President of the institution.
"Where did you get this money
your mother has offered for deposit,
my boy?" asked the President,
kindly.
81 found it, sir, - was my reply a
little confused.
How long ago?"
"About six weeks, sir. I"
"And you have been unable tc
find the person who lost it?"