Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-30

CHAPTER NNtI.
THE 1NACCEssIBLE BOX SEVEN
The president Of the Peninsula Bank II
Miami was receiving two distinguished
looking visitors in his private Office, The.
we're a tall man OF ungainly walk bu
Impressive demeanor and a young lad!
OF sineularly pleasing face and figure
The banker was all courtesy and atten
tions as soon as he had read his visitors
cards and placed chairs and table
their disposal. The tall man, wthou
wasting words seated himself and Openet
black bag from which he began tc
draw documents with busness-like pre-
cision blue buckle. a photograph and
the sketch of another buckle were eN'
posed to view. side by side with pil'
OF papers which lay conveniently within
reach OF his long powerful white hands
We are here. sir" he said to the presi-
dent. with the quiet positive authority OF
big fnancier who addresses little one,
already impressed with his importance,
"in the matter Of Box Seven in your saIe
deposit vaults"
His glance had rested for moment ON
the graceful and modish young lady
seated In an easy chair near tho door.
The bank president bowed as his atten
tion was directed toward her. ~ was a
rare experience for him to ne closeted
with man of such striking personality
Rnd--as the Sunday papers had frequently
reniarked-of such wonderful attain,
fnents and rare also to he confronted
with a woman Of such unqucstionable
beauty.
They were certainly persons of promi-
nence. these people. and plainly had come
from the world where those Of wealth and
culture acquire the quietly dominant airs
that mark them as leaders in world less
prominent.
The president smiled reminiscently II
understand" he said you refer to the
uaffautvpn oetafp-ybp freak will of
odd character"
His masculine visitor smiled in turn,
mo man, Mr.. President" he said, 'is
odd. II ne happens to be rich"
WAS the testator rich" queried the
president, intcrestedly.
Don't you know. sir?" asked the other
IT almost seemed as though he were
actually asking for information. The
president shook his head.
''How could know he answered.
''The Balantyne estate is locked up in
Box Seven.
The woman smiled archly but trne
Rnxiously. Haven't you ever peeked in
side?" she asked
The president was almost shocked
a'TIow could l. Miss" he returned.
You have both the keys" she smiled,
seductively.
'.Ah." he returned. but this box-and
its keys-are III our vaults-a confidential
trust We have no right to-peek.'
the woman She became silent on the in
etant Then he turned back to the presi-
dent. He pointed to the papers on the
table
eAllow me. ne said, "to present cre-
dentials."
The president examined thcm-Carefu
with the leisure of an old-fashioned man.
The credentials consisted of letters OF
Introduction, Unidentified photographs and
signatures and many other testimonials
proving beyond peradventure that Hclder-
man that Napoleon OF the Street was
present in the flesh.
''The buyer of banks unused tho prcsi-
dent. with complimentary smile.
Right" said Hederman, as though
seeking other worlds to conquer. II have
Just turned my attention to 1t to
the buying OF New York banks. It is
difficult to get them cheap They know
now that I am In the market and-pouf--
the price scars up sky high!'
The president nodded. When | read
about you in the New York press he
+ said. cit was my opinion, Mr.. Helderman
IF you don't mind the advice OF an old
man--that you were making a mistake
Why not buy country banks-yOu can get
them cheap enough
Helderman cast a secret but eXultant
glance toward the young woman at his
side and then leaned over Carelessly.
Some time" he drawled, we shall dis
cuss 1t, you a..j !, Mr.. President. For
the present"
The president again fumbled with his
papers. Your credentials are entirely
satisfactory to me-" he said There is
no doubt that you are Mr. Hederman."
"You may not understand why | am
20 particular in this case" said his vsi-
tor. but 1t is said-it is whispered in the
street-though I know nothing actually
Of it-that there are two HeIdermans"
"Brothers?"
mol have no brother But another
man who makes up to resemble me-who /
mirnics me-"
You surprise me, said the president, I
again scrutnizing the papers-an uncon-
seious act. which caused Hederman to Z
smile. What Is his motive?"
Evidently to do me at every turn"
said Helderman, but so far he has sue
ceeded only in one thing-he has re-
peatedly gotten me into embarrassing
situations. Unquestonably a swindler-
he has swinded others but not myself
I'd like to get my hands on hIm-that's
all"
THE police" queried the president
'-They are baf1ed," said Helderman, so
bafned that they keep it quiet. But I'll
get this fellow vet, il they do not. III
ger him, never fear"
Helderman drew forth wallet
There's one thing that my ubiquitous
double so far hasn't been able TO do
he cant produce real money-that is to
any considerable amount
Without ostentation, and as though
the matter were of every day occur
renee. Helderman drew from his wallet
and tossed before the president a neat
packet containing fifty one-thousand dol
lar bills The woman staTted-glanced !
at Helderman She seemed
surprised. The president picked up the
bills. He shook his head.
You Travelled from New York with