Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-02-16
How the Detectives.were Outwitted.

The reputation that Ram Haskins possessed
for shrewdness and cunning has been consid
erably enhanced since his recent mastery es-
cape from the Auburn prison. 1t is well
known that this accomplished rogue, assisted
by potential but unknown influences, succeed
ed in walking free and clear from the prison,
clothed in Yenteel raiment, with the incest
beaver, the finest kids and the glossiest of pa
tent leather boots. Immediately after his es-
cape, the most rigid measures were taken to
secure his arrest; the most acute and keen
scented detectives were sent out in pursuit.
put all attempts to catch the rogue proved
failures. A few nights ago, it was rumored
that Haskins, emboldened by his prolonged
escape, intended to visit a ball at a g tavern"
in one Of the small towns in Onondago county,
in the vicinity of his former home. Two we'll
known detectives. who knew Haskins person
ally, determined to attend the ball. and dress
ing up in their best, disguised as gay cavaliers,
as the fiddle had made its preliminary scrapes
and the fair couples had commenced agitating
the light fantastic toe." To purchase tick
cts and " sail inn were but the work of mo-
ment, and soon the gallant detectives were en-
joying the delights Of the dance, while at the
same time their most vigilant glances were
directed about the room for the escaped
Haskins. During the third or fourth quad
rifle the leading detective sought and OBJ
tanned an introduction to a modest appear
ing lady, who had for the most part, sat
quietly. in the shadow of the room, at
tended assiduOusly by a polite and attentive
gallant Her quiet demeanor, her graceful
figure, neat and tasteful dress, her beautiful
flowing curls, had won upon tho detective, and
much to his companions annoyance, he suc-
ceeded in monopolizing her company through
two or three quadrilles, waltz, a contra
dance, and several polkas. When the land
lord somewhat officiously announced that the
Refreshments were in readiness" the success
ful detective gallantly crooked his elbow, his
fair lady accepted his invitation and accom-
panied him to the table, where it was his de-
light to crowd upon her notice all the delica-
cies the table afforded; she swan in SOUP, she
was barricaded with frosted and sugared cake,
all frozen with surrounding cream. A few
dances after supper, good deal of small talk,
and the lady announced her intention of leay-
ing. The lady excused herself from the obse-
quious detective, and after an absence of a few
minutes appeared with furs and hood, ready
for departure. The detective, greatly regret
ting her early departure, accompanied her to
the sleigh, tucked the robes closely about her,
bid her good bye, and returned to the ball
room in pursuit of Haskins. The detective re-
turned to Syracuse, and reported to one or two
OF the prison officers, whe were anxiously
awaiting the sequel of the visit, that they were
satisfied that Haskins was not in the country
1t has subsequently been ascertained beyond
doubt, that the fair lady who completely won
upon the affections of the detective was no
other than Ram Haskins, the escaped convict
Auburn Adrertiser