River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1875-08-13
MISCELLANY.
A LYING STATUE.

In the height of exhibition season
1892 there was a great deal of unpleasan
ness, mystery and suspicion generated
the industrial palace by constant Su
cession ofpetty roberieS, which took plat
nearly every night at the best stalls. A
ticles of value were stolen from drawei
and boxes money left by stallkeepel
often went, unless very securely stowe
away; but the depredators did not vel
ture on taking any bulky article, or Q
breaking open any receptacle whic
would require great force. They knc
their RISKS, that was evident and tn;
thiefts were committed by some person {
persons connected with the exhibition WI
also beyond doubt. Watches had bee
set, traps had been laid over ane owe
again, but all in vain. When too muc
had been done in the way Of plantin
watchmen, no roberies took place at all
and when articles had been purposely lie
apparently forgotten, but in realty fixe
by the minutest wires to bells whic
sounded at the slightest touch, they wei
left untouched. The theft, if only on
always stole, TOO, from places in the shad
so that he could command view of I'll
more open spaces, while he himself wa
unseen.
One morning, as the sergeant of pcliC
was going his carly round before til
building was opened for the day. he can
upon an exhibitor and his staff of asss
ants. who were grouped round BIO
which was open before them, and {
which they were looking with apparer
interest.
"Good morning, Mr.. Baselton. said tn
officer "very fine day we are likely
have"
Fine day, sir And very fine nigh
we have had, too" extorted the cxhib
or in a tone far less pleasant than that i
which he had been addressed. "Here's
pretty affair Seven pounds worth {
Scotch pebbles set in silver breaches, cal
rings, and IS forth-the whole of thel
clean gone"
The sergeant, with expressions of RI
greet, said he would see the officer wha -
been on duty. Mr.. Baselton profess
have lost all confidence in the police
asserted that ifhe were to wstcs
thief would certainly be discovered
very first night.
Il wish you would try, them"
sergeant; 81 would obtain PERM
watch with you; and if you can
anything fresh, | will gladly 81
YOU"
Although, when he made this Ia
sertion, Mr.. Baselton probably
nothing at all. yet, after little tai
the officer, the desire of finding TIL
and his belief in his own superior
ness. were strong enough to max
volunteer to watch; and it was
hat the sergeant should join him
the palace was closed at nigh
they would be on the lookout
for it was impossible to say at vii
Of the night the robberies were
ted.
Strict silence was enjoined OH cit
and observed by the sergeant
and by Mr.. Baselton pretty welH
only mentioned his plan to Mr..
oux at the Freuch stall just by, 4
his neighbors, Mr.. Hynks and NJ
rabies. Mr.. Carrables, by the "
not there that morning; so Bazel
Mr.. Glisser, Mr.. Carrables forer
stead, who, in becomingly sympa
tone, wished him success.
The evening come, the suies
hung about the passages OF the VI
ing until deepest twilight, an
Basleton was pretty nearly tired
on his feet.
"Now," said the sergeant, uncor
dropping his voice as he spoke,
take up our quarters. IL we
get there unperceived. have
what think you will find pre-
corner"
Gan right" returned the exh,
the same guarded tone; and
noiselessly on, passing once on
constable; but the presence Of "
geant, Of course, prevented any.
Some large boxes. left apparent
cident, Mt the angle of a stall,
reality, so placed that they forq
most perfect screen; and with
reason TO suppose that they
noticed, they slipped in and sat
Presently the moon rose;
climed higher, and its light grew
or, the building became visible
out with a light which was most
IL and ghostly in its character.
pressed itself very much upon
81 hid no idea. Sergeant" "
cd to the officer, "that -
a strange cemetery .
must own shou