Presbyterian College - Pac Sac Yearbook (Clinton, SC)

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16 THE COLLEGIAN musician and entertainer. How it irritated him to hear all the young ladies talking about the charming Mr. Ridley, On this particular evening, Ellis had called on Rowena determined to come to some understanding with her. But when the opportunity came his nerve failed him and the passionate words which he had planned to speak only caused an expression of anxiety and excitement, which Rowena had noticed, but concerning which she had not ventured to ques- tion him. Why do you go so early, Ellis? It is now only ten o'clock , asked Rowena as Padon rose. NVel1, Rowena, your company is pleasant, but the amount of work which the cotton seas-on is pouring in up-on us has tired me so, that I fear I have bored you long enough for one evening. The idea of such a thing! you shouldn't be so modest Ellis. Anyway, I must go-abut tell me! Can I have a word with your father before I go, he said, as he took her hand to bid her good night. Cert-ainly, for I know he has not retired so early. Good night, and don't worry so much, she said, and hastened lightly up-stairs to call her father. D-it all!', Padon hissed under his breath, that imp of a dude, Ridley, has made Rowena so different towards me. In ia few moments Mr. Rosenwald came down, and Padon told his business. Mr. Rosenwaldf' he began, I dislike to disturb you at such an hour, but this afternoon, after the safe had been closed, a deposit of 39300.00 came in, which I asked Ridley to place in the vault. But since, I have been worried about it, and thought I ought to ask you whether it would be safe there or not. May be it would be safer here at your home. Oh! you needn't worry about that. It is safe in the bank. I thought you had worked in a bank long enough not

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THE COLLEGIAN 15 ing in life is a divine one, provided one regard it as an op- portunity to serve God and humanity. Think well then, young man, before the final step is taken in the choice of a profession. God demands of you all that he has graciously given to you, and it is your duty and privi- lege to render what services you can to the upbuilding and uplifting of humanity. The field that lies before you is the world, and there is always room for the faithful man at the top. Then let us strive to do our best and to improve our opportunity while we may, for the water that flows over the old mill wheel flows but once. Let us dream our dreams and see our visions, and let them ever be an inspiration to us for the accomplishment of our duties. Let the Word duty be to us. as it was to General Lee. the sublimest word in the English language. J. S. S., '13, Q Q Q Q fait Betectihe. Four months had elapsed since Frank Ridley had been ap- pointed assistant cashier in the Bank of Townville. Having set his heart on the banking business during his college course. upon graduating he had commenced work in this town. As he was a stranger in the place, he had showed an unusual amount of vigor and determination to succeed. Mr. Rosenwald, the president of the bank, had taken much interest in the new comer and had made him feel quite wel- come at his home. During his 'first visits, Miss Rosenwald the belle of the town, had especially welcomed him, which was greatly resented by Ellis Padon, the cashier of the bank. Padon was a special friend and counsellor of Mr. Rosenwald. and had already taken a great dislike to Ridley, because of Miss Rowena Rosenwald's interest in himg while Padon himself had been deeply interested in her for sometime. It exasperated him to see this well-bred college man come in and win his girl's heart. How he envied Ridley his ability as a

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THE COLLEG-IAN 17 to think of such a trifle. Well, the matter bothered me, and I wanted to be free of the responsibility. 'Much obliged to you for your kind- ness, and good night. When Mr. Rosenwald made his appearance at the office the following morning he was dumfounded when Padon came to him much excited, reporting that the money left in the vault had been taken. By the way, Mr. Rosenwald, here is a note, stating that Ridley will not be at his work today. Mr. Rosenwald took the note and read: 12:30 A. M. Dear Padon, An uneXpected call out of town obliges me to leave on the train due at 1:10 A. M. VVill return as soon as possible. Soiry I must be away during the rush season. Frank Ridley. In an instant, Mr. Rosen1wa'ld's face flashed crimson. He rarely ever lost control of himself, but now he could not refrain from speaking: How in the deuce could a man expect to steal in such a manner and not be caught? Old Sammy, the director, said Ridley wouldn't do, 'but I thought he was unreasonable in his likes and dislikes. We 'll have the law on him, immediately. But wait a mo-ment, Mr. Rosenwald. The evidence is against Ridley, but not sufficient for conviction. By the law I could be held quite as responsible as he is. The best thing to do is to wait the issue of circumstances. If he took the money, it will come to light sooner or later. Good advice, Padon, your level head is remarkable. We will keep the matter quiet, and Wait the outcome. Three days had passed since the robbery. Rowena had accepted an invit-ation of Padon to go with him in his auto to the opera at Oakland, a large town ten miles distant. The opera was over and they had gone into an ice cream parlor to quench their thirst.