Vindication

When Martin Landis entered the bank early in the afternoon of that same
day he presented a different appearance from that of his departure in
the morning. His head was held erect, his step determined, as he opened
the swinging door of the bank and entered.

"What--Landis, you back?" Mr. Buehlor greeted him, while the quizzical
eyes of the old man looked into those of the younger.

"I'm back and I'm back to get this hideous riddle solved and the slate
washed clean."

"Come in, come in!" Mr. Buehlor drew him into a little room and closed
the door. "Sit down, Landis."

"Well, how much is the bank short?" He looked straight into the eyes of
the man who, several hours before, had dealt him such a death-blow.

"So far everything is right, right as rain! There's a mistake or a
damnable dirty trick somewhere."

"Let's sift it out, Mr. Buehlor. Will you tell me who had the 'inside
information' that I was taking bank's money?"

"I'll tell you! It was a farmer near your home---"

"Mr. Mertzheimer?" offered Martin.

"The same! He asked to have you watched, then changed it and insisted
on having the books examined. Said your people are poor--forgive me,
Landis, but I have to tell you the whole story."

"Don't mind that. That's a mere scratch after what I got this morning."