Presbyterian College - Pac Sac Yearbook (Clinton, SC)

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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.

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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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18 THE COLLEGIAN That does seem strange, said Rowena as she noticed the five dollar bill which Ellis had placed on the tray in pay- ment for the refreshments. Only a few days ago I saw that bill and noticed how closely it was trimmed and the arrangement of the numbers 44444. How remarkable is the way money may circulate. Just think, that bill may have been all the way to Washingtion and back and have passed through the hands of a great many people. Yes, it is wonderful indeed, replied Padon rather dis- interestedly. Seated in the auto and wrapped snugly in the lap robes. Rowena was left to do most of the talking, as Ellis guided the car homeward. I hear that Frank Ridley is in town again, began Row- ena, after several attempts to get Ellis interested in the con- versation. Yes the fool is back, he might have had more sense than to come back here where he has disgraced himself, replied Ellis somewhat angrily. But Ellis, you are too hard on him. He has not been proved guilty. Well, guilty or not guilty, he shows his poor sense by staying in a town where he has such a name, assuming the unlikely case that he did not take the money, replied Ellie. In my opinion, he is certainly acting the man, if he is not guilty. If he should leave here under suspicion, it would follow him anywhere he might go. Have your way then, replied Ellis somewhat surlily, but I cannot understand why you are forever and eternally trying to make him out not guilty. 'Such was the tone of the conversation throughout the journey. Finally, to the relief of both, the home of Mr. Ros- enwald was reached. As soon as Rowena was inside the door. she said good night in the coolest of tones and closed the door in his face. Worn out and exhausted from the strain, she gave way. Her father had soon placed her on a couch and