The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1875-08-13

Venice, 1874.
-Harper's Magazine for August.
MISCELLANY.
A LIVING STATUE.
In the. height of exhibition season Of
1892 there was agreat deal of unpleasant.
ness, mystery and suspicion generated in
the industrial palace by constant sue.
cession ofpetty roberies, which took place
nearly every night at the best stalls. Ar
ticles Of value were stolen from drawers
and boxes; money left by stallkeepers
often went, unless very securely slowed
away; but the depredators did not VEN
ture on taking any bulky article, or on
breaking open any receptacle which
would require great force. They knew
thiefts were committed by some person or
persons connected with the exhibition was
also beyond doubt. Watches had been
set, traps had been laid over ane over
again, but all in vain. When too much
had been done in the way of planting
watchmen, no roberies took place at all !:
and when articles had been purposely left
apparently forgotten, but in realty fixed
by the minutest wires to bells which
sounded at the slightest touch, they were
left untouched. The theft, if only one,
always stole, TOO, from places in the shade,
so that he could command view of the
more open spaces, while he himself was
unseen.
One morning, as the sergeant of police
was going his early round before the
building was opened for the day. he came
upon an exhibitor and his staff Of assist
ants. who were grouped round a box
which was open before them, and at
which they were looking with apparent
interest.
''Good morning, Mr.. Baselton.' said the
officer livery fine day we are likely to
have"
Zine day, sir! And very fine night
We have had, too,' extorted the exhibit.
or in tone far less pleasant than that in
which he had been addressed. "Here's q
pretty affair! Seven pounds worth of
Scotch pebbles set in silver breaches, ear.
rings, and IS forth-the whole of them
clean gone"
The sergeant, with expressions of re-
gret, said he would see the officer who had
been on duty. Mr.. Baselton professed to
have lost all confidence in the police, and
asserted that he were to watch, the
thief would certainly be discovered the
very first night.
Il wish you would try, then," said the
sergeant; 81 would obtain permission to
watch With you; and if you can suggest
anything fresh. I will gladly support
YOU"
Although, when he made this last as.
sertion, MIR. Baselton probably meant
nothing at all, yet, after little talk with
the officer, the desire of finding the thief,
and his belief in his own superior acute.
ness. were strong enough to make him
volunteer to watch; and it was agreed
that the sergeant should join him Just as
the palace was closed at night, when
they would be on the lookout directly,
for twas impossible to say at what time
Of the night the robberies were commit
ted.
Strict silence was enjoincd on either side
and observed by the sergeant entirely,
and by Mr.. Baselton pretty we'll, as he
only mentioned his plan to Mr.. Chaten-
oux at the Freuch stall just by, and to
his neighbors, Mr.. Hynks and Mr.. Cor.
rabies. Mr.. Carrables, by the way, was
not there that morning; so Bazelton told
Mr.: G]isser, Mr.. Carrables foreman, in.
stead, who, in becomingly sympathizing
tone, wished him success.
The evening come, the spies met. and
hung about the passages Of the vast build.
ing until deepest twilight, and until
basleton was pretty nearly tired of being
on his feet.
"Now,' said the sergeant, unconsciously
dropping his voice as he spoke, I'VE will
take up our quarters. If we can only
get there unperceived. have arranged
what I think YOU will find pretty good
corner.''
GAIL right" returned the exhibitor, in
the same guarded tone; and they stole
no'selessly on, passing once or twice
constable; but the presence Of the SER
geant, of course. prevented any question.
Some large boxes. left apparently bv &C.
cident, at the angle Of a stall, were. in
reality, so placed that they formed an al.
most perfect screen; and without anv
reason to suppose that they had been
A'o..~e"' e!aey eHPPeu III @nO SAL GOWN.
Presently the moon rose; and as it
climed higher, and its light grew strong.
er, the building became visible through.
out with light which was most unearfh.
" and ghostIy in its character. This inn.
pressed itself very much upon Baseltou.
81 had no idea, Sergeant" he whisper.
ed to the officer, "that the place was such
astrange cemcteryish sort Of spot as it is.
must own should not like to be on du.
5, here all night. However, have
brought some little refreshments with me,
SO let us make ourselves comfortable i
In silence they ate and drank and in
silence save for the Ginning of the; clock.
or the occasional tread of policeman, the
hours crept on. The policeman passed
within : couple Of yards Of the watchers
repeatedly, but whether they knew Of
their presence or not Baselton could not
judge. The length and WEAKNESS Of the
hours grew Ut last intolersble to him, and
seeing that the sergeant wss ~ cool and