Evening star., 1925-06-28
Continued from Yesterdays star)

At o'clock sharp the bank had
closed and locked its front door. as
was its custom. 1t had been a busy
day. Cash deposits had been large
The members of the bank staff were
hurrying, for they were anxious to
get away to attend to their own affairs
The door Of the safe stood open to re-
ceive books and securities and cur
rency. The first intimation the staff
had of variation Of the routine was
the appearance of Mr.. Sankey in his
working garb.
Stick 'em up,' said Mr Sankey,
emphasizing the request with the six
shooter. He looked as II he meant
business. and his appearance was not
at all deceptive. for he did mean 1t
up" he commanded through the
handkerchief in decidedly stimulating
accents.
AS an office property the CONNER.
cial Bank supplied each of its branches
with a nickel-plated pocket edition, by
courtesy a revolver; the excellent
theory being that in case Of need some
employe, who very possibly had never
fired revolver in his life, would eff
fectually defend the banks property
Herewith. But in this case nobody
was near this alleged weapon. Nor
was Mr.. Sankey where he should
have been, outside the grill. but in
side, where he had no busness-save
his present business-to be. Manager
and staff were brave enough, but an
attempt to get gun which one does
not know how to use. while dominated
by one in the hands of an individual
who not only knows how but will use
his as matter of business if forced
to do so. does not come under the head
ing of bravery, but more usually
among the obituaries. So they obeyed
orders.
pleasantly. You two big fellers turn
round and face the wall. You littlest
Teller, pull down the winder blind
right down. Now. you take these here
ropes and tie your friends hands"
Il won't said the Junior, who was
the ''littlest feller."
Yes, you will" said Mr.. Sankey
with d gentleness more convincing
than buster. And I'll explain why.
clear, at the start. After that | won t
do no more explainin', except with
this gun. I'm doin' this on my lone. I
ain got no partners, SO you can see
/ amt out to take a single chance.
And l won't. l don't want TO hurt you
boys. but I'll shoot the first one of
you that makes a bad move or don t
obey orders. I'm tellin' you friendly.
but I'm tellin' you cold ! mean il,
and If you think I don't you're maxim
an awful mistake. Now, you little
feller-tie en-
nervy boy, but had an ambition to be
a bank director some day, tied them.
Now. step through your hands
Mr.. Sankey ordered. Hold up yours, y
he commanded the Junior, and expert.
~ dropped d looped rope over them.
drew 1t tight and flipped a couple of
turns in d way which would have
proved to any old cowman that he had
handled a rope before. And at that
moment somebody tried the front door,
and finding it fast. knocked.
Quiet Mr.. Sankey hissed his ewes
narrowing to menacing points of light.
His gun poised before them as a snake
about to strike. The man that an.
swers is through with bankin'. Quiet
on, Cowan." a. voice called.
Cowan, the manager. opened his
lips. looked into the dark ring that
suddenly bore upon point midway
deadly eyes behind it. and decided that
he liked banking. Through the utter
silence they could hear footsteps out
side receding
Mr.. Sankey commanded his pris.
oners to lie down and when they had
done so he tied their feet. Then he
gagged them with office towels. When
they were helpless and voiceless he
looted counters, drawers and safe.
working fast but overlooking nothing.
dumping currency and any papers
which seemed to be of value into a
gunny sack, to be sorted later. After
careful look around to make sure
that he had overlooked nothing, he
added fuel to the stove and regulated
the drafts.
Because it may be some time be-
fore anybody finds you. and l wouldn t
want you boys to he cold" he in.
formed them CONSIDERABLY. I'm
sure sorry to leave you like this. but
business is business. So long, boys
and Merry Christmas""
With which courteous wish Mr.
Sankey left them to their reflections.
He tied the gunny sack to his saddle,
mounted. and rode into the growing
dusk. not hurryinG, for he was too
wise in the technic of a getaway to
attract attention by undue speed and
far too good a horseman to take
anything out of his steed at the be-
ginning of long ride. Indeed, so far
from exhibiting any uneasiness. as he
rode out of town he hummed simple
carol not to be found in any Christ
mas collection.
The approach of Christmas brought
Tim worries such as are as a rule
confined to and borne by adult heads
of households. He wanted to provide
some modest gifts for the younger