The Parable of the Treasure-Vault

The Parable of the Treasure- Vault BY DR. JAMES E. TALMAGE

Neither the story nor its application is the invention of the author only the telling is his. ;

Among the news items of recent date was the report of a burglary, some incidents of which are unusual in the literature of crime. The safety-vault of a wholesale house dealing in jewelry and gems was the object of attack. From the care and skill with which the two robbers had laid their plans it was evident that they were adepts in their nefarious business. They contrived to secrete themselves within the building, and were locked in when the heavily-barred doors were closed for the night. They knew that the great vault of steel and masonry was of the best construction and of the kind guaranteed as burgiarproof they knew also that it contained treasure of enormous ;

value and they relied for success on their patience, persistency, ;

and craft, which had been developed through many previous though lesser exploits in sefe-breaking. Their equipment was complete, comprising drills, saws and other tools, tempered to penetrate even the hardened steel of the massive door, through which alone entrance to the vault could be effected. Armed guards were stationed in the corridors of the establishment and the approaches to the strong-room were diligently watched. Through the long night the thieves labored, drilling and sawing around the lock, whose complicated mechanism could not be manipulated even by one familiar with the combination, before the hour for which the time-control had been set. They had calculated that by persistent work they would have time during the night to break open the safe and secure such of the valuables as they could carry then they would trust to luck, daring, or ;

force, to make their escape. They would not hesitate to kill it they were opposed. Though the difficulties of the undertaking were greater than had been expected, the skilled criminals succeeded with tools and explosives in reaching the interior of the lock then they threw back the bolts, and forced open the ponder- ;

ous door. What saw they within ? Drawers filled with gems, trays of diamonds, rubies, and pearls, think you? Such and more they had confidently expected to find and to secure but instead they ;

encountered an inner safe, with a door heavier and more resistant than the first, fitted with a mechanical lock of more intricate con-

THE PARABLE OF THE TREASURE-VAULT 1109

^traction than that at which they had worked so strenuously. The metal of the second door was of such superior quality as to splinter their finely tempered tools try as they would they could not ;

so much as scratch it. Their misdirected energy was wasted ;

frustrated were all their infamous plans. Like unto one's reputation is the outer door of the treasurevault like unto his character is the inner portal. A good name is ;

a strong defense, but though it be assailed and even marred or broken, the soul it guards is safe, provided only the inner character be impregnable.

Idaho

[Mr. Herbert Horsley, asks that we print in full the song "Idaho," which we quoted in part in a recent number of the Era. He does not know who its author is, but first heard the words sung about seven or eight years ago at a Twenty-fourth of July celebration. The choir at Soda Springs, Idaho, of which he is leader, has sung the song on several occasions to the tune of "Maryland, My Maryland." Editors.]

O lovely mountain home is ours, Idaho, O Idaho, Of winters mild and springtime showers, Idaho, O Idaho. Her breezes blow from western shore, Where proud Pacific's billows roar. Each year we love her more and more, Idaho O Idaho. Her mountains grand are crowned with snow, Idaho, O Idaho, And valleys fertile spread below, Idaho, O Idaho. The towering pines, on cliffs so steep, O'er cataracts their vigils keep, Or in the lakes are mirrored deep, Idaho, O Idaho.

A thousand hills where herds may range, Idaho, O Idaho, And lava beds so weird and strange, Idaho, O Idaho. Above our heads are cloudless skies; In gorgeous hues the sunset dies, Then starry diamonds greet our eyes, Idaho, O Idaho. Such is our wondrous mountain home; Idaho, O Idaho; And far away we ne'er would roam, Idaho, O Idaho. O land of liberty, we tell Beneath a starry flag we dwell; One star is ours, we love it well, Idaho, O Idaho.