The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-02-05

AAiohiuS be one', hiootiy ououS Tic QeteC-
tive branch Of the police as the line of busi-
ness to which l was devoted can best be
learned by mingling with adopts.
One day, while passing down West street,
some person slapped me on the shoulder in
familiar manner, saying at the same time,
How are you, old fellow When did you
get back ?-Wasnt you going to speak to a
fellow cause you got new suit ? Made the
thing pay, Ell ?"
Quick as thought the Buffalo adventure
came into my mind, and l resolved at once
to follow up the advantage
NUNS the word," said !, clapping my
lips at the same time TO indicate that mum
was the word, but also more effectually to
change my voice.
"Come in, Joe" said my new acquaintance,
pointing down the stairs into drinking sa-
loon. Nobody there but Bill and the boy
We've had some fine pickings since you left.
Didn't expect you back till tomorrow, but
come in and get drink, any way"
Clspping my lips again, blurted out
Business but I'll be around Tomorrow
Have all the boys in at four" So saying,
dashed on as though had thousand stores
to rob and several men to murder before |
could stop to talk. My friend in utter
amazement was still standing where l left
him when turned the corner, thinking no
doubt it was very strange, but apparently
having no suspicion of identity.
| was certain as | went to my hotel that
| had got hold of a string which followed up
might lead to at least a thousand dollars, and
may be much valuable property and still
greater rewards. AS the key to the situation
was evidently nv resemblance to some ras-
CAL thought it right as had to bear the
resemblance that should have all the bene-
fit that was to come of it, or at least the lions
share; so resolved to keep my own coun-
sells and make up the case as best | could in
my own room. Joe was coming back on the
next day; Bill, my new acquaintance, and
the boys had been having good pickings, and
they would proba ly be there Tomorrow at
four, if the real Joe did not come around be-
fore and clear up or add to, the mystery of
to-day. Joe evidently must be headed of,
or the other pigeons would scatter before
they could be bagged. 1t was my main in
terest, having no local responsibility in the
matter to bag the thousand dollars and joe
But as the street had two ends to it, and the
bagging must be done where it would not
trighten the other game, began to see
mast have help even in the outset; SO | ser
sibly concluded TO lay the whole affair before
the chief and have men enough detailed to
ensure success. The case was so plain that
there seemed to be but one plan, and in that
We were all agreed, namely: to make ar
rangements that evening to have me station
ed in grocery store on the first corner of
the sueet from the saloon with two or three
assistants, and as many more placed in the
corner dug store down the street. so as to
arrest Joe before he met his pals, and by
putting him in close carriage we might take
him off so quietly that nobody would hear
of it. A few men were to be stationed in a
private house opposite the saloon, to make a
d scent if they saw any unnatural commo-
ton about there before the appointed hour
But otherwise all were to concentrate when
the hour arrived, and arrest whoever might
he present.
One hour before daylight We were in our
places, not to attract attention by going there
afterward. 1t was long, dreary forenoon.
We fancied we saw now and then suspicious
person passing, but no more perhaps than
We might expect to see on any other street
i'll the city. Noon came. Crackers and raj
sins had been disposed of at our grocery,
and yet my double had not made his appear
ance. Whether they had taken him at the
drug store We did not know, but supposed
our chance to be much the best
While we we were discussing these prob
abilities, with eyes all the time directed to
the street, my comrades in one voice cried
out: There he comes, and dashed out to
arrest him, | meantime persisting it was not
the man, no resemblance, hold onn But it
was of no use. They had him in carriagesn
a twinkling, and all but two Sere back in the
store SO soon that our conversation need
hardly have been interrupted; only as an
episode served to give it new direction.-
AS near alike as twin brothers, except the
clothes, no doubt of it, they all averred.
But l had still to confess great many doubts
as did not see the slightest resemblance.
|, who had seen myself for thirty-odd years,
ought to know better how l looked than,
they who had not seen me so many hours
But the sequel will tell who knew best
Four o'clock came, and, as by agreement,
we concentrated in front and rear Of Han
sconb's saloon. took my place in the rear,
while most of the local stars dashed into the
den. We had only moment to wait before
six or eight of the gang come rushing past
us in their efforts to escape. My friend Of
yesterday, being the only one ! recognized
received my especial attention. Following
him around the corner at the top of my speed
was surprised fer the instant to see him
slacken bis pace as though waiting for me to