Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1916-06-30

this injustice, the consequences of
which, including loss of salary, amount.
ed to a claim against the bank OF a
hundred thousand francs. He was no
better able to prove his innocence now
than formerly, but he was in a posi-
ton to help himself to the amount OF
his claim. If the bank would pay II
without lawsuit the danger in which
the institution stood Of losing funds
would be revealed; If not, the claimant
would choose his own way of securing
his claim.
The governor at once called for the
names of all persons discharged from
the bank within twenty years, When
the list was presented to him he was
surprised to see that 1t embraced
nearly 100 names, for It had been the
policy Of the management to discharge
suspected officials without investign
ton.
After mature dellberation the gov
ernor concluded that 1t would be i'm
possible among so many to hit on the
person named. He believed that there
was leak somewhere among his sub
ordinates, that one of them was u con
federate OF the person who was en-
deavoring to get money from the bank
while a woman confederate was EN-
ployed to write the notes He at once
called upon the banks CHIEF detective
for a list OF the officials now In tn
banks employ who bad been observed
visiting places Of questionable repute
or We're believed to be Iiylng beyond
their means. Five names were fur
nished, and they We're ali discharged
Nothing further was heard from
Elise Il. for a month; then came an
other note. 1t stated that the amount
Of the discharged officials claim Ind
been appropriated and the governor
need give himself no further concern
ia the matter The claimant would not
help himself to any more OF the bunk's
funds than the amount of his claim
though he was In position TO take all
he liked.
Upon receipt Of this letter the gov
ernor gave an order for an inventory
to be made OF all the funds of the
bank. The amounts IN the safes were
found to be correct, hut there was one
room with massive walls called the
treasure room, In which was kept the
enormous supply OF gold belonging to
the institution, together with certain
paper currency for which there was
not storage room elsewhere. From the
treasure in this vault, which constltut.
ed part of the foundation Of the
building. the sum Of 100000 francs
was found TO be missing
The governor at once wrote to Elise
r., inviting her to call ut the bank. IN
closing an indemnity for whom II
might concern on account of any funds
that had been taken from the bank.
He received reply that II on given
night and hour he would DO in the
strong room OF the bank he would find
not only the 100000 francs deficiency
but an explanation of the mystery.
On the appointed night carriage
drove up to the bank A lady. accom-
panied by an attendant. alighted and,
being admitted, was shown to the gov.
ernor's private office.
"Mademoiselle, or perhaps madame"
asked the official, whom have l the
honor to address"
II am Jeanne Brisson, tho daughter
of Paul Brisson, whom you probably
know as one Of Frances prominent
"mdeedw
II have come TO accompany you to
your strong room. I am your CORE
spondent, Elise II. This gentleman Is
one Of your former employees"
more mysterious than everr ex-
claimed the governor.
Il believe It is the appointed hour
Shall We proceedT
The governor, summoning attendants
led the way TO the treasure room. The
door was unlocked, and the party en-.
tered.
Remove those boxes" said Jeanne.
pointing
The boxes were removed. Jeanne
went to spot they had uncovered and
stamped with her boot heel upon one
Of tho marble slabs that constituted
the floor. The slab was lifted from its
place. and the soiled head Of Francois
Terriere rose through the opening.
Tell how you came here" said
Jeanne.
II am sewer scavenger," said Fran.
coils. "one day while hunting in the
sewer saw that there was break in
The arch. Climbing to II, pulled
away stones and earth till came to
,rumbling mortar. This, too, remov.
ID and found this slab. Lifting It, I
'ound what you see about you"
Jeanne's attendant stepped forward
md addressed the governor:
Monsieur" he said, II am Lucien
Villaret, once In charge of one OF your
You discharged me on
mere suspicion on tho day my be.
.rothal was being celebrated and caus.
ID me years of misery. Through this
nan Ferriere, who was advised by my
)etrothed, / could have robbed you Of
he untold wealth contained In this
Dom. Here" handing the governor an
envelope, "fs all the money that has
been taken in an effort TO secure my
Such was the end OF the great Bank
II France mystery. Lucien was offer.
d any position in the bank no desired,
but would accept none. Francois was
made a guardian Of the treasure room
With a handsome salary. Luclen and
Jeanne celebrated a wedding that had
been put or at the time Of his db.
,harge.
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