Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1875-11-05
Hunting "a Wan Down.

forming as he prevents justice from over
taking him. Capt. Young once told inc Of
several cases where the stupid indiscreton
OF the officer had loaded society with out
laws. One was that of the well-known
"Ono eyed Thompson" who early in his
career was saved from the clutches of the
law by some friends who raised a sum of
money for him and sent him out West.
He settled in thriving town on the bor-
der, and changing his name made most
praiseworthy effort TO become a useful
member of society. He opened a store,
won the respect of the townspeople, was
actually made selectman, and was in a fair
way to live long and die honored for his
many virtues, when he suddenly turned
up on the streets here again.
"Hulloo," says Captain Young. II
thought you had squared il and was out
West"
"Yes, thought SO, too" says Thomp-
son. But it was no use; one Of your best
men did my business for me-"
II seems that this detective, sitting on
the veranda of the new hotel opposite 10
the store which the reformed man had
opened, "spotted him." "Well, I'm bless
cd if there isn't 'One-eyed Thompson ="
Some of the people guessed not. Oh no!
that WAS Mr.. Simpson, a respected and
prominent ciliz-n.
sob, no! it was, ch2 If that isn't One
eyed Thompson the burglar, then I'll 50
back and join the church."
IAN up" said Thompson, "Tm done
for. Here 1 am, captain! II is one of
your men that fixed me-"
And so well fixed was he that he became
the most noted law breaker of his day. 1t
is the easiest thing in the world to hunt
man down when he is trying to be honest
with his own record against him. There
is case on record of a young man in
| prominent dry goods house in this city
who, in 4 moment Of temptation, forged a
| check ON his employers. 1t was peculiar
! ly painful affair. The young man was
well connected, and when the detective
made the discovery it almost broke his
| parents heart. However, after some troub-
lie tue matter was compromised. The fa-
ther paid the money and somo mitigation
| of sentence was effected. With the stain
upon him lie started out TO redeem his
character, if he could. After Wandering
about for some time he obtained a situa-
ton in New Orleans us entry clerk, and at
the end Of the year saw a fair prospect Of
| achieving success. His employers had
confidence in him, and he had numerous
reputable acquaintances.
One day While on the sidewalk superin-
tending the shipment of some goods, one
of these New York men came along.
"Halloo you here?"
YES" said this young man, with his
heart in his mouth.
"What are you doing?"
"Trying 20 earn an honest living!'
1t seems incredible, but it is true. The
officer went straight into the store. One
week later The young man was in New
York.
God knows" he said, II tried as hard as
anybody could TO lie honest, but it's no
use !" OF course u detective who had the
slightest notion of his obligation as a man
TO society, 10 say nothing of his duty as an
officer, would not have made this mistake
And that reminds me of another case
which ought TO teach even police officers
that discretion and kindness are not with
out fruits even in this business.
Everybody on the force remembers
Johnny Mas. He was pickpocket and
belonged tU a mob that worked on the
west side. How be got into the company
of these people it would he hard 10 toll.
But he was an adruit and rather amable
| thief that scarcely ever caused the force
any trouble. 1t was customary in the days
of the metropolitan police 10 lock up all the
| pick pockets and guns when there was to
be great celebration or procession. They
were merely ordered to the central office,
and there kept until The city was restored
TO its original quiet. Johnny Mas only
needed TO be told 10 go TO headquarters 10
| 10 report himself there promptly. He was
young man, rather slight in tuild, and
somewhat taciturn.
To the surprise of the superintendent,
he came to the Office one afternoon and in
! quired when all the special men would be
in. lie was told he could see them in the
morning. When the morning came he was
there. Aiier the roll was called the super
intendent said: "Now, Johnny, the men
are all here If you want 10 speak TO them"
He got up from the corner in which he
was sitting, and wrinsing out his cap with
his two hands, proceeded to address them
in fallering and abashed manner:
"Well, you see, I've concluded TO square
it, You've been pretty rough on me for
some time, and I've got sister that's got
the heart disease, and she's took it inter
her head that she'd live bit longer if as
how I'd do The right thing, and 1 told her
| r. Il oh nr
gimme hand why don't mind maxim
it go. don't want TO get the cholera
no more, and if the gOl'll live bit longer
on my account am willn'."
All the men went up and shook hands
with him, and it was agreed that he
shouldn't "have the cholera" unless he
broke through his resolution. About
year aller that, in the dead of a severe
winter, the superintendent was coming
through Crosby street into Bleecker, and
he met Johnny Mas. The fellow was
dressed in a thin bombazne coat. He was
collarless, and his feet were out and he
looked hungry, pinchcd and wretched.
"Pm glad you've kept your word, John
ny. But it's going pretty hard with you,
l suppose, to be honest?"
lawful hard, sir" said Johnny; "but
told her would, and did,"
"Tha's right. Don't go back of your
word. Stick it out. You'll have better
times by and by"
"Do you sec that bank over there ?" said
the young man, pointing 10 the marble
building in Blocker street. "Well, there
Amt money enough in that place TO make
me go back. I'd rather go cold and hum
cry and not be hunled-so / would"