The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1875-01-21
A LIVING STATUE.

LIVING STATUE.
In the height of the Exhibition season
of 1862 there was a great deal of un-
pleasautness, mystery, and suspicion gen
Grated in the Industrial Palace by Il con.
slant succession of petty robberies,
which took place nearly every night at
the best stalls. Articles of value were
stolen from drawers and boxes; money
left by stall-keepers often went, unless
very securely slowed away; but the dep
redators did not venture on taking any
bulky articles, or on breaking open any
receptacle which would require great
force. They knew their risks, that was
evident; and that the thefts were COM
mltted by some person or persons con-
nccted with the Exhibition was also be-
vond a doubt. Watches had been set,
traps had been laid over and over again,
but all in vain. When too much had
been done in the way of planting watch
men no robbcries took place at all; and
when articles had been purposely left,
apparently forgotten, but in reality fixed
by the minutest wires to bells which
sounded at the slightest touch, they were
left untouched. The thief, if only one,
always stole, too, from places in the
shade, 50 that he could command view
OF the more open spaces, while he him.
self 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 around a box
which was open before them, and at
which they were looking with apparent
interest.
"Good morning, Mr.. Baselton," said
the oificer;"a very fine day we are likely
to have"
Fine day, sir! And very fine night
we have had, too, l suppose" retOrted
the exhibitor in tone far less pleasant
than that in which he had been adj
dressed. Here's pretty affair! Seven
pounds worth of Scotch pebbles set in
silver-brooches, earrings, etc.-the
whole of them clean gone"
The Sergeant, with expressions of re-
had been on duty. Mr.. Baselton pro-
police, and asserted that if he were to
watch the thief would certainly be dis
covered the very first night.
Il wish you would try, them" said the
Sergeant: Il would obtain permission to
watch with you, and if you can suggest
anything fresh / will gladly support
YOU
Although when he made this last as
sertion Mr.. 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
acuteness were strong enough to make
him volunteer to watch; and it was
agreed that the Sergeant should join him
just as the palace was closing at night,
when they would be on the lookout d.
rectly, for it was impossible to say at
what time of the night the robberies
were committed.
Strict silence was enjoined on either
side and observed by the Sergeant en-.
tirely and by Mr.. Baselton pretty we'll,
as he mentioned his plan to Mr.. Chat
enoux at the French stall just by, and to
his neighbors, Mr.. Hynks and Mr.. Car
rabies. Mr.. Carrables, by the way, was
not there that morning, so Baselton told
Mr.. Glisser, Mr. Carrablcs' foreman, in
stead, who, in a becomingly sympathiz.
ing tone, wished him success.
The evening came, the spies met and
hung about the passages of the vast
building until deepest twilight and until
Baselton was pretty nearly tired of being
on his feet.
Now, said the Sergeant, unconscious
" dropping his voice as he spoke, eve
will take up our quarters. If we can
only get there unperceived. have ar
ranged what think you will find pretty
good corner"
"All right" returned the exhibitor, in
the same guarded tone; and they stole
noiselessly on, passing once or twice q
constable; but the presence of the Ser,
gcan; of course prevented any question
ing. Some large boxes, left apparently
by accident at the angle of stall, were
in reality SO placed that they formed an
almost perfect screen, and, without any
reason to suppose that they had been
noticed, they slipped in and sat down.
Presently the moon rose; and as il
climbed higher and it's light grew
stronger the building became visible
throughout with light which was most
unearthly and ghostly in its character
This impressed itself very much upor
Baselton.
II had no idea, Sergeant" he whis
pered to the officer, "that the place was
such strange, cemeteryish sort of a
spot as it is. must own, l should not
like to be ON duty here all night. How
ever, have brought some little refresh
ments with me, SO let us make ourselve.
comfortable" In silence they ate ant
drank, and in silence, save for the chin
ing OF the clock or the occasional tread
of Il policeman, the hours crept on Tn,
policemen passed within a couple O
yards of the watchers repeatedly, bu
whether they knew of their presence O
not Baselton could not Judge. The lepgtl
and WEAKNESS of the hours grew at las
intolerable to him, and, seeing that til,
Sergeant was as cool and wide awake q
when they first entered their lair, h,
whispered: Z" feel terribly drowsy. Ser
geant; always do about this time. Fiv,
minutes nap will make me feel as fresl
as daisy. Rouse me up if you hea
anything before that time"
His companion smiled, and in tn,
same subdued tone gave the promise.
Nothing did happen requiring Mr. Bas
elton's presence either before or afte
the expiration of five minutes, although
the officer stealthily looked out q hun
dred times during the night. At last tn,
darkness thinned away. and then, after
short, gray twilight, dawn came, an,
the Sergeant shook Baselton by tn,
shoulder.
Yes, yes; I'm ready" stammered tn
exhibitor, then opened his eyes very wild
indeed; why, it's daylight! I mus
have slept"
Yes, of course you have, interrupts
the other; "but let US get out quietly.
don't mind our men seeing us, of course
but others need know nothing of GU
watch" =
81 think the less your men or anybod
else know about the wav we kent ON
watch, the BETTER" said Mr.. Baselton. a
they LETT the counter; in fact, I shal