Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1875-02-07
A Living Statue,

IN tfc utiSIItiu Tue TNillDlClOn season
of1862, there was a great deal of i'm
pleasantncss, mystery, and suspicion gen
Grated in the Industrial Palace, by 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 depredators did moi
venture on taking any bulky articles, OF
on breaking open any receptacle that
would require great force. They knew
their risks, that was evident; and tina,
the theft were committed by some per-
son or persons connected with the Exhi-
bition, was also beyond doubt. Watches
had been set, traps had been set over and
over again, but all in vain. When too
much had been done in the way of plant
ing watchmen, no robberies took place
at all; and when articles had been pur-
posely left, apparently forgotten, but in
reality fixed by minutest wires to bells
that sounded at the slightest touch, they
were left untouched. The thief, if only
one, always stole, too, from places in the
shade, so 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 round box
winch was opened before them, ana at
which they were looking with apparent
interest. ''a
"Good-morning, Mr.. Baselton, said the
ofhcer; "a very fine day we are likely to
have
"Fine day, sir! And fine night we
nave had too, suppose retorted the ex-
hibitor, in tone far less pleasant than
mat in which he had been addressed.
Heres pretty affair! Seven pounds
worth of Scotch pebbles set in silver
brooches, earrings, and so forth-the
whole OF them clean gone" III
The sergeant, with expressions of re-
greet, said he would see the officer who
had been on duty. Mr.. Baselton pro-
1essed to have lost all confidence in the
ponce, and asserted that if he were to
watch, the thief would certainly be dis
covered the very first night. II
Il wish you would try then," said the
sergeant; ~ would obtain permission
to watch with you; and if you can sug-
gest anything fresh, will gladly support
you"
Although, when he made this last as
sertlon, Mr.. Baselton probably meant
nothing at all, yetfafter 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
mat the sergeant should join him just as
Inc palace was closing at night, when they
would be on the lookout directly, for it
was impossible to say at what hour OF the
night the robberies were committed.
Strict silence was cnjoined on either
s.ee, and observed by the sergeant en-
ureiy, and by Xf~ Baselton pretty well,
as he only MENTIONED his plan to Mr..
Chatenoux at the French stall Just by,
and to his neighbors, Mr.. Kinks and Mr..
Carrablcs. Mr.. Carrables, by the way,
Was not there that morning; 90 BaseltOn
told Mr.. Glisser, Mr.. Caffables fofsnan,
instead, who, in . becomingly sympa-
thizing tone wished him success
The evening came, the spies mes, ana
hung about the passages OF the vas. -; 1I NV
ing until deepest twilight, ana Sn a;na ns on
elton Was pretty nearly tired o. o's -
s.No~ " said the sergeant, unconscr W.
ly dropping his voice = r. u can only
WIN ,"Mo " ,,arceivsd, I have ~ -
get .hel .h,un ves Wal Dad PFes's
what III II vAss&TAf .,. In
corner; ....he j rctarned the cxn n stole