Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1916-02-01

burglar proof safe In Logansport was
opened like a cheese to the tune Of
$1,500 currency; securities and silver
untouched. That began to interest the
rogue catchers. Then an old fashioned
bank safe in Jefferson City became
active and threw out Of its crater an
eruption of banknotes amounting to
$1,000. The losses were now high
enough to bring the matter up into
Ben Prices class Of work. By compar-
ing notes a remarkable similarity in
the methods of the burglaries was no
dced. Ben Price investigated the
scenes Of the robberies and was heard
to remark:
That's Dandy Jim Valentines auto
graph. He's resumed business. Look
at that combination knob-jerked out
as easy as pulling up a radish in wet
weather. Hes got the only clamps
that can do 1t. And look how clean
those tumblers were punched out!
Jimmy never has to drill but one hole.
Yes, guess I want Mr.. Valentine.
He'll do his bit next time without any
short time or clemency foolishness."
Ben Price knew Jimmy's habits. He
had learned them while working up
the Springfield case. Long jumps,
quick getaways, no confederates and
q taste for good society-these ways
had helped Mr.. Valentine to become
noted as a successful dodger of retri-
button. It was given out that Ben
Price had taken up the trail Of the
elusive cracksman, and other people
with burglar proof safes felt more at
ease.
One afternoon Jimmy Valentine and
his suit case climbed out Of the mail
hack in Gilmore, little town five miles
of the railroad down In the blackjack
country of Arkansas. Jimmy, looking
like an athletic young senior just home
from college, went down the board
sidewalk toward the hotel.
A young lady crossed the street,
passed him at the corner and entered
a door over which was the sign "The
Elmore Bank" Jimmy Valentine look.
ed into her eyes, forgot what he was
and became another man. She lower
ed her eyes and colored slightly
Young men Of Jimmy's style and looks
were scarce In Elmore.
Jimmy collared boy that was loaf
ing on the steps Of the bank as If he
were one Of the stockholders and began
to ask him questions about the town.
feeding him dimes at intervals. By
and by the young lady came out, look
ing royalty unconscious Of the young
man with the suit case and went hel
way.
isn't that young lady Miss Polly
Simpson," asked Jimmy, with specious
guile.
"Naw," said the boy; shes Annabel
Adams. Her pa owns this bank
What'd you come to Gilmore for? Is
that a gold watch chain? I'm going
to get a bulldog. Got any more
dimes?"
Jimmy went to the Planters hotel
registered as Ralph D. Spencer and en-
gagged room. He leaned on the desk
and declared his platform to the clerk
He said he had come to Elmore to look
for a location TO go into business. How
was the shoe business now in the
town? He had thought Of the shoe
business. Was there an opening?
The clerk was impressed with the
clothes and manner Of Jimmy. he
himself was something Of pattern OF
fashion to the thinly gilded youth OF
Elmore, but he now perceived his
shortcomings. While trying to figure
out Jimmy's manner Of tying his four
in-hand he cordially gave information
Yes, there ought to be a good open
ing in the shoe line. There wasn't an
exclusive shoe store in the place. The
dry goods and general stores handled
them. Business In all lines was fairly
good. Hoped Mr.. Spencer would de
eide to locate in Gilmore. he would
find it a pleasant town to live In and
the people very sociable.
Mr.. Spencer thought he would stop
over in the town few days and look
over the situation. No, the CLERK
needn't call the boy. He would carry
ND his suit case himself. It was rathei
heavy.
Mr.. Ralph Spencer, the phoenix that
arose from Jimmy Valentines ashes
ashes left by the flame Of a sudden
and Alternative attack Of love-remain.
ed In Elmore and prospered. he open.
ed a shoe store and secured a good run
Of trade.
Socially he was also q success and
made many friends. And he accom-
plished the wish Of his heart. He met
Miss Annabel Adams and became more
and more captivated by her charms.
At the end Of year the situation OF
Ralph Spencer was this-he had won
the respect Of the community, bis shoe
store was fiourishing, and he and An
mabel were engaged to be married In
two weeks, Mr.. Adams, the typical.
plodding, country banker approved OF
Spencer. Annabels pride In him al
most equaled her affection. He was az
much at home In the family Of Mr..
Adams and that Of Annabers mar
Red sister as II he were already q
msmbef.
One day Jimmy sat down In hiS room
Ind wrote this letter, which he mailed
10 the safe address of one Of biz Old
friends In St Louis: ..ss5
Dear Old Pail want you to be ct 6ulli-
vans place, In Little Rock. next Wsdnse-
day night ct O'Clock want you g
wind ND some litt3e ,nattsfs Tor me. And,
Also I want .tu maks you . present e6 my
kit OF tools. i know you'll b Glad % 81
them-you couldn't duplicate the l?t 10y
thousand dollars, Say, Blly. I've 9ui'
the old busineis-a year ago. I've tot
nice store. I'm making On honest uvmg
ana I'm goang TO marry ths dnest sih cr
'1eith two wsslS ffvn now. 4es IL oeiJ
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