The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1864-04-20


voice.
"Come in, Joe," said my new acquaintance
pointing down the stairs into a 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"
Clapping my lips again, L blurted out "bu
siness; but I'll be around tomorrow. Have
all the boys in at four"
| So saying, I dashed on as though had a
thou and s4or IS to rob and several men to mur-
der before l could stop to talk. My friend in
utter amazement was still standing where
left him when I turned the corner, thinking,
no doubt, it was very strange, but apparently
having no suspicion of identity.
was certain as L went to my hotel that
had got hold of string which, followed up,
might lead to at least thousand dollars, and
may be much valuable property and still great
er rewards. As the key to the situation was
evidently my resemblance to some rascal, 1
thought it right 1 had to bear the resem-
blance that should have all the benefit that
was to come of it, or at least the lions share
so resolved to keep my own counsel, and
make up the case as best could in my own
room.
Joe was coming back on the next day Bill
(my new aequaintance) and the boys had been
having good pickiugs, and they would proba-
bly, be there tomorrow at four, if the real Joe
did not come round before and clear up, or add
to, the misery of to-day. Joe evidently must
be headed off, or the other pigeons would scat
ter before they could be bagged. 1t was my
main interest, having no local responsibility in
the matter, to bag the thousand dollars and
Joe. But, as the streets had two ends to it,
and the bagging must not be done where it
would frighten the other game, began to see
L must have help, even In the outset so l
sonsibly concluded to lay the whole affair be-
fore the chief and have men enough detailed
to insure success. The case was so plain that
there seemed to be but one plan, and in that
we were all agreed, namely: to make arrange
ments that evening to have me stationed in a
grocery store on the first corner of the street
from the saloon, with two or three assistants,
and as many more placed in the corner drug
store down the street, so as to arrest Joe be-
fore he met his pals, and by putting him in a
close carriage we might take him off so quiet
ly that nobody would hear of it. A few were
to be stationed in private house opposite the
saloon to make descent if they saw any un-
natural commotion. about there before the ap-
pointed hour. But otherwise all were to con-
centrate when the hour arrived, and arrest
whoever might be present.
One hour before daylight were in .nnr
places, not to attract att ention 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 in the
city. Noon came. Crackers and raisins had
been disposed of at our grocery, and yet my
double had not made his appearance. Wheth-
ar they had taken him at the drug store We
did not know, but supposed our chance to be
much the best
While we were discussing these probabili-
ties, with eyes all the time directed to the
street, my comrades in one voice cried out,
There he comes l'' and dashed out to arrest
him-I meantime persisting it was "not the
man-no emblance-hold on ~
But it was of no use. They had him in the
carriage in twinkling, and all but two were
back in the store so soon that our conversation
need hardly have been interrupted-only as
this episode served to give it a new direction
GAS near alike as twin brothers, except the
clothes. Not doubt of it," they all averred.
But 1 had still to confess great many
doubts as didn't seethe slightest resemblance.
[, who had seen myself for thirty odd years,
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 Hans
combs saloon, took my place m the rear,
while most of the local stars dashed into the
den. We had only mome6t to wait before
six or eight of the gang came rushing past us
in their efforts to escape. My friend of yes
terday being the only one 1 recognized, receiv-
ed my especial attention. Following him
around the corner at the top of my speed, 1
vas surprised for an instant to see him slack
en- his pace, as though he was waiting for me
to come up. ,---
"Bully, Joe we've lodged 'cm this time,
any how"
The precise state of the case was evident.
Without waiting for an answer, he went on,
hurrisdly: ,-
"Jenks knows me and knows where live,
and this will arouse his suspicious. I'll bet
he'll be around to No. 81 before night; and
those traps must be moved, or we'll be certain
to lose EN-
"Move 'em 'tis,' said I, and on we went
running when we thought it safe, and making
good time all the way-my companion little
in advance, and wondering what made me so
laggard.
We were not long in reaching No. 81,
Grove street. My friend had the latch-key
in his hand, and was on the point of entering
when proceeded to dispel his illusion by ex-
hibiting my star and demanding an uncond-
ional surrender. He was belligerent-a tus
sci ensued, and for moment it seemed doubt
ful which would win, Polly or the bear; but
the disturbance soon brought several police
men to my aid, and my late associate was ta-
ken off to the lookup.
Hearing a commotion in doors, though it
best to proceed at once to make an examina-
ton. So we turned the key, which was still
in the lock, and walked in, without saying,
By your leave, madam
Madam met us in the hall, and demanded
Dur business. We blandly informed her that
We knew something Of her beautiful mansion
by reputation, and were anxious to examine it
ourselves by gaslight, if she would be so good
Is to show us around. She protested that
hey were honest people, that her husband
vas out, the hour was late, we were no gentle
nen, and finally that she would thank us to