Then came the hardy pioneers—­those brave, self-reliant men and women who sought the broad acres of the west, and builded their homes upon the “edge of civilization.”  From that time began the work of progress and cultivation.  Towns, villages and cities sprang up as if under the wand of the magician.  Fifty years ago, a small trading post, with its general store, its hand grist-mill, rude blacksmith-shop and the fort.  To-day, a busy active town, with more than five thousand inhabitants, a hundred business enterprises, great railroad facilities, and every element that conduces to prosperity, honesty and happiness.

Such is Geneva to-day, a substantial, bustling, thriving and progressive village of the west.

It is a hot, sultry day in August, 18—­, and the shrill whistles from the factories have just announced the arrival of six o’clock.  Work is suspended for the day, and the army of workmen are preparing for their homes after the labors of the day.

At the little bank in Geneva the day has been an active one.  Numerous herders have brought their stock into market, and after disposing of them have deposited their moneys with the steady little institution, in which they have implicit confidence, and through which the financial affairs of the merchants and farmers round about are transacted.

The last depositor has departed, and the door has just been closed.  The assistant cashier and a lady clerk are engaged within in settling up the business of the day.  At the Geneva bank the hours for business vary with the requirements of the occasion, and very frequently the hour of six arrives ere their customers have all received attention and their wants have been supplied.  This had been the case upon this day in August, and breathing a sigh of relief as the last customer took his leave, the front door was locked and the work of balancing up the accounts was begun.

Suddenly, a knock is heard at the outer door, and Mr. Pearson, the assistant cashier, being busily engaged, requested the young lady with him to answer the summons.  As she did so, two men, roughly dressed, and with unshaved faces, burst into the room.  Closing the door quickly behind them, one of the men seized the young lady from behind and placed his hand upon her mouth.  Uttering a piercing scream, the young lady attempted to escape from the grasp upon her, and with her teeth she inflicted several severe wounds upon the ruffianly hand that attempted to smother her cries.  In a moment she was knocked down, a gag was placed in her mouth, and she was tied helplessly hand and foot.  While this had been transpiring, the other intruder had advanced to the assistant cashier, and in a few moments he too was overpowered, bound and gagged.  In less time than is required to tell the story, both of them were lying helpless before their assailants, while the open doors of the bank vault revealed the treasures which had excited the passions of these depraved men, and led to the assault which had just been successfully committed.