The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1917-11-08

I lost sight Of him before I had set
tied the point that | might have been
of some use to him. Morgan came out
of the bank almost tearing his hair.
He had a weak spell from his excite
ment, and had to ease him to a stone
step while the Waterman ran into the
bank for some water.
We had about revived him when
Marvel reappeared He carried a vel
low satchel in his hand. He had a
companion, but as the latter came
within the radius OF the street lamp
saw that he was not the Duplicate,
but ragged, trampish-looking fellow.
He had a bleeding cut on one cheek.
which he was nursing with a hand
kerchief Marvel apparently had given
him.
Take care Of him till a little later"
directed Marvel to the Waterman.
See if your stuff is all right" he add.
ed to Morgan. throwing the satchel on
the table as we entered the bank
again.
He was at the telephone next, and
heard orders to the local police to
watch trains, country roads and the
slum quarters for the man described.
Morgan had pulled open the satchel.
Like some mailman he examined
package after package of money,
notes and other securities.
Safe and sound" he gloated.
What an escape. and-what does it
all mean?" he cried, gazing blankly
at Marvel.
You have a manager here named
Leslie Forbes?" quietly questioned
Marvel.
Why yes" replied the banker in
surprise.
And one Of your employees named
Ickes was sent to the penitentiary by
you for embezzlement year ago."
What is the connecticut" chal-
lenged the banker.
Simply this" explained Marvel,
that Forbes is the pivot upon which
revolves this entire case. The man
is a pervert, but a coward. He would
not directly steal a penny, but this
Ickes, his friend, has had time to fig
ure out a very pretty and elaborate
plot in prison. Briefly, for some
months certain Irregularities have &C.
Cured in the bank that troubled you.
Never a suspicion came into your
mind that Ickes, whom you implicitly
trusted, was involved Deity, with
out your ever guessing it, he has made
money and securities disappear, to re-
appear. He has even had the bal
ances overrun, all to convey the idea
to you that some one or more of your
three subordinates were borrowing Sc
cretly from the bank to gamble or in
vest. Two of your employees were
sons Of wealthy clients, and you
feared to make rash move. In the
meantime, with the aid of one Maginn,
the man in prison was setting up his
scheme. Deity, to relieve your anxi-
cites, Forbes suggested the confden-
tial services of Resilius Marvel The
plotters planned TO get me out of the
way, and I accommodated them
The conspirators knew that the
City National was practically impreg-
nable- from the outside. But Maginn
had been given the combination to
vault and strong box. My counterpart
made you believe he would secrete
himself in that cabinet yonder.
whence he could watch all the move.
ments of your employees tomorrow.
You fell in with his ideas l was
barely in time to catch a glimpse Of
him as he sped away with his plumber.
He saw that l was close upon him
after brisk run. He turned a curve
in the alley. l heard a crash of glass.
Rounding the turn l saw him crossing
some shed roofs. Just then the man
outside here staggered up the steps Of
deserted building. He had been
asleep on the floor when the satchel
landed on him, and he was cut by the
falling glass. think that is all" con-
cluded Marvel, drawing on his gloves
in leisurely manner
Except substantial recognition Of
your services, by mail. Mr.. Marvel
AS to Forbes, and this Maginn-if he
is caught"
That is for you to decide" said
Marvel
by the way, our friend outside
banker, and he extended a one hun
dred dollar note to Marvel.
I accompanied my friend outside.
The tramp, little dreaming that he
had brought to light something like
million in cold cash, stood rubbing his
Injured face and glumbling at fate
I'D like to catch the man who
slugged me with that satchel!" he
growled, and disturbed me out of the
only bed I've known for a month"
Here was where my companion
stepped in, pressing the one hundred
dollar bill into the hand of the dunn
founded wanderer.
Finish your nap at the best hotel in
town, my friend" said Resilius Mar.
vel.