He was still poor, but was in receipt of a steady and sufficient salary, as the respected and trusted cashier of a bank.

George Benton never came near him, and was never heard to inquire about him.

George got to indulging in long absences from the town; there were ill reports about him, but nothing definite.
One winter's night some masked burglars forced their way into the bank, and found Edward Mills there alone.

They commanded him to reveal the "combination," so that they could get into the safe.

He refused.