The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-01-23


 SvNSY the discovery that he had been robbed. fH@ Outwardly he much disturbed, but 1Q0S there undercurrent of satisfaction
 -Icf occasionally discernib1e-
 To understand this strange and unobtrusive spirit of contentment one must know something of the cir rumstances, which may be given briefly as follows: Tenn was manufacturing jeweler and had all of the -t;rd floor of modest store and office building for his workroorns and showrooms He also had a cashier upon whom he had learned to look with much approval. She very satisfactory cashier, but he was of the opinion that she would be even more satisfactory as wife The cashier however, did not seem to take his view of the desirabty of establishing other than strict business relations with him. and he had reached the conclusion that the in Huence of one Desson largely responsible for ths With Desson properly but of the way, the held would be reasonably clear
 Now. it would have been the easiest thing in the world for Fenn to discharge Desson, but he would not then be properly" out of the way-in tact, he would not be out of the way at all so far as any matrimonial purpose was conserned on the contrary, he apparent injustice of this would be likely to make kim more important factor in the situation than before But Desson happened 10 be the one to whom suspicion pointed the matter of this theft Desson as a thief would be eliminated where Desson as martyr would be merely greater menace
 Feun's position was the more advantageous be- cause he had at time presumed upon the fact that he was her employer to force his attentions on the girl He had given evidence of his interest, which she had received with such indifference as to convince him that some one else occupied her thoughts and he was not long in deciding that Desson was the man.
 His first impulse was to have Desson arrested at once but his lawyer advised against this The circumstances made the presumption of guilt strong, but there was annoying lack of direct legal evil dence Certain articles, left to be repaired, had dis appeared The repair department had special safe of its own, directly back of the cashiers cage and this safe was in charge of Desson He kept record of everything delivered to the workmen, which re- cord checked up by the cashier twice-once when the articles delivered and again when they were returned-and then filed in Fenns office as report of the work of that department for the day.
 The lawyer listened to this examination, and shook his head
 ~It is not legally convincing" he declared. "Act hastily, and you'll accomplish nothing at all What's his explanation" ( ~He offers none"
 And hers?"
 ~Her knowledge does not go beyond the record sheet, which she checked up and turned over to me- talked to her first without telling her just what the trouble was and she assured that she checked up carefully and found everything there"
 What does he say?"
 "He says he does not know when or how the things could have been taken; they simply gone
 
 workmen had finished with them.
 ~It looks bad," admitted the lawyer, 'it's case for detective first; but 1t won't do to be hasty"
 "No, said Fem; "there are personal reasons why do not want to appear hasty unjust, but don't wish to delay action longer than is necessary"
 Then have him watched" advised the lawyer; @get detective, and let know all the develop rents-"
 Fenn followed this advice, which gave him the reputation of being most just and considerate dor, of course, the other employees knew that cir eumstances pointed strongly to Desson the guilty man Even Miss Walters seemed to be impressed, and Fenn noted, with satisfaction, many indications of misunderstanding between her and Desson.
 As matter of fact, the detective employed dis covered practically new evidence. Desson had no bad habits and in serious financial difficulties; he patfonized pawnbrokers and secret search of his apartments revealed signs of the missing jewelry. The only thing that seemed to have the slightest bearing the situation the fact that he was trying buy little house on the instament plan and was occasionally rather hard pressed to make the payments.
 Finally the lawyer decided that the time had come ac-not because any conclusive evidence had been secured, but because it seemed impossible to ccmpiish anything by detective methods
 After all" said the lawyer, "he to be the cnly one who could have done it, and his little real estate investment has crowded him financially Per zps sharp drastic action will break him down. The cstracism of the other clerk must have weakened his nerve good deal"
 The ostracism had affected him. Formerly cheer ful he had become sullen and there could be no doubt that he would have resigned his position had circumstances permitted it. But he certainly had not been brought to the point of confessing The lawyer made the look very black for him, but he doggedy protested his innocence; Fenn intimated that contrite repentance would him from pro- secution but he still insisted that he knew nothing of the missing articles Then he was allowed to go back to work.
 Have him arrested when he is leaving tonight" said the lawyer "A few days in jail may make him take different view of the matter"
 No returned Fenn. Whatever do in this case is going to be done openly. If the time has to arrest him. I'll have it done in the shop once, for