Presbyterian College - Pac Sac Yearbook (Clinton, SC)

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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

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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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THE COLLEGIAN 19 was questioning her. Father, she said when she had recovered strength enough to speak, the mystery is revealed. As I have been telling you, Frank is not guilty of the theft. Ellis Padon took that money. How clear it all is now! The day before Frank left, he happened to show me a bill of small denomi- nation with the number 44444, which impressed me at the time. Yesterday, while I was down street I met him. He was anxious to know whether I had lost conidence in him. He had learned somehow that he was suspected. When I assured him that I couldn't ever believe he was dis-honest, he told me this: 'Rowena, you remember the odd bill Which we were looking at the other day. I placed that bill with some other money of mine with that late deposit the other night, expecting to enter it on the books the following morn- ing. I am waiting for the appearance of that bill, so that I may clear myself of the guilt.' Whereupon I told him I would certainly witness for the truth of this statement. And now I have been the detective. Mr. Rosenwall, for a second time in his life, was dumb- founded. When he had collected himself, he said, But Row- ena, Padon may have gotten the bill from another and after all may not be guilty. However, if he thought this, he didn't rely on his belief, for he was determined to find out the truth more conclusive- ly. On reaching the hotel Where Padon boarded, he asked for him, but was told by the porter that Padon had left on the midnight train, Without stating Where he W-as going. Ridley and Rowena-but that 's another story. Anderson '13. Q Q Q The Qtrntnn of Qtrzatinn. There is a tendency of the South to look upon the ques- tion of equal suffrage for women as being a little old and not of much importance. This is an evidence th-at We are not