Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1874-08-15

ceedeCl at once to s., the city which they
proposed to visit | had many acquaint-
ances in thi, place, and, without telling my
object, gave Il description Of my man to
several whom knew | could trust. l also
notified the police to look out for him about
the first of September. | directed each OF
these person. to telegraph me q brief mes
sage if they should see man who answered
the description. Still was afraid he would
disguise himself and foil Inc again.
"One day in the latter part of August
received telegram, which, besides the ad-
dress and Signature, contained just one
word-'Come' was surprised at this and
rather provoked, for felt sure my friend
had made mistake ! had expected no
such message until September, and | in
tended to remain III S. during the greater
part of that month and watch myself |
concluded to go, however, more because |
had been sent for than because | had any
hopes of success. The friend who sent me
the message was keeper of an eating
house, prompt, honest man. with brisk,
keen way about him that had always ad~
mircd. had thought him very observant,
but jumped to the conclusion that he had
been fooled this time. | reached s.
early that afternoon and went at once to the
saloon of my friend.
"Well, what's the news, JIM said ! i,
as entered
"I've seen your man. said he, pos
itiyely.
"Sure? asked, incredulously.
IN sure he answered your description.
I've watched for him every day
"'Tell me what you know said |.
what kind of a looking man was he?'
"'lle was tall, good-looking, well-dressed,
had a slight scar over the left eye, splendid
bass voice, and appeared like u perfect gen
tlcman.'
"'Good that's him., said |, exultingly.
Did he want to put patent spring on your
door?'
"'That's just exactly what he wanted to
do. He came in at noon, walked up and
asked me if | was the proprietor. told
him was. Then he wanted to know if he
couldn t sell me one of the best door springs
ever invented. ! told him | didn't think |
needed .one, and | noticed that he dln t
urge me much. He said lie should call
around again by next spring and perhaps
I'd want one then. He got his dinner. paid
for it, and departed, and appeared ike a
gentleman, as | said before. Now, johnson,
what do you want him for? WHAT'S he
been doing? WIZ you tell .c!'
Feeling sure that could tru~t the man,
told him in few brief words what have
told you, and this besides that Tie gang
We're intending to rob three banks in this
city, all in one night; that the gentleman
Of the party with his door-springS went
ahead to examine the doors and EaStenings
and take the impression Of the kcyholes in
short, to make the way clear for the rest Of
the party.
81 now went directly to the banks and
found that my enterprsing thief Lad his
quiy learned that he had pat them on
without compensation, for months trial.
| thought the bank officials pretty green, for
they didn't have any idea that anything was
wrong, and took pains not to excite any
such. The fellow had been to nearly all
the principal stores in the city, but this was
only to allay suspicion. notified the police
of the whole plot and they promised to be
on hand when wanted them.
II stopped three weeks in this place,
waiting around the lepots, hoping to get Il
sight of the men | wanted, but they came
not. was fast getting discouraged, when
one afternoon saw a familiar face at the
car window as Il train from the East rolled
into the station. | had seen it but once
before, and that in the evening, but knew
it Immediately. 1t was the face of one OF
the plotters whom | had overheard in the
saloon. 1t was not the chief however
lie left the train and followed him up the
street. When he got opposite the City
Bank, he stopped 1 did the same. lie
took a long look, and then walked on TO the
independence. | followed Then he went
to the Orient, and then backward and for
ward all the afternoon, with me following
behind. This man was 'spotter, | knew
but his precise object | couldn't surmise.
determined to arrest him and use him against
the others if | could. went up behind
him, quietly, and laid my hand upon his
arm.
"'You are my prisoner, ] said, sharply.
''The man turned with scornful laugh
'What do you charge me WITH he snecr-
ing,y said. Perhaps you mistake your
man.
"'There is no mistake, said you will
come with me-
"What do you charge me with 2 he re-
peated with an oath.
"I'll tell you what, said |, drawing my
revolver as | saw a threatening demonstra-
tion on his part; with an intended robbery
in this city and with crimes committed in
Canada. Make any resistance, Or attempt
to escape, and you're dead man..
"a frightened look Came over his count
enance and he turned so pale | thought he
was about to faint. | took advantage of
this momentary agitation to slip pair of
bracelets on to his wrists. lie soon re.
covered himself, the crimson tide came back