The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1875-04-16
A LIVING STATUE.


In the height of the Exhibitien season
OF 1862 there was great deal of un-
pieasantness, mystery, and suspicion
generated in the Industrial Palace by a
constant 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 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
committed by some person or persons
connected with the Exhibition was also
beyond 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 robberies 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, SO that he could command a view
of the more open spaces, while he him
self was unseen.
One morning, as the Sergeant of Po-
lice was going his early round before the
building was opened for the day, he came
upon an exhibitor ana his staff of assist
nts, who We're grouped around box
which was open before them, and at
which they were looking with apparent
interest.
''Good morning, Mr.. Baselton," said
the officer; ga very fine day we are
likely to have. -
i, ts Fine day, sirl And very fine
night we have had, too, I suppose re-
torted the exhibitor, in q tone far less
pleasant than that in which he had been
addressed, Here's a pretty affair
Seven pounds worth of Scotch pebbles
set in silver brooches, earrings, and so
torth-the whole of them clean gone.
The Sergeant, with expressions of re-
grat. said he would see the officer who
had been on duty. Mr. Baselton pro-
fessed to have lest all confidence in the
police, and asserted that if he were to
watch. the thief would certainly be dis
covered the very first night.
SfI wish you would try, then,'' said
the Sergeant, Il would obtain permis-
sion to watch with you, and if you can
suggest anything fresh, / will gladly
support you. I"
Although, when he made this last as
seraon, Mr.. Baseltou 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
hess. we're 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 directly, I
for it was impossible to say at what time !,
of the night the robberfeS were con-
mitted.
Strict silence was enioined on either /
side, and observed by the Sergeant en- |
tirely, and by Mr.. Baselton pretty well, !
as he only mentioned his plan to Mr.. !
Chattenoux at the French stall Just by,
and to his neighbors, Mr.. Hynks and
Mr.. Carrables. Mr. Carrables, by the
way, was not there that morning so
Baselton told MIR. Glisser, Mr.. Cara
bles' foreman, instead, who in becom-
ingly sympethizing 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.
Sc Now" said the Sergeant, uncon-
sciously dropping his voice as he spoke, !
Eve viii take up our quarters. If we
can only get there unperceived, have |
arranged what I think You will find a !
g 21i ripht. . restnrned the exhibitor. IN
the same guarded tone; and they stole |
nsteIs1s h, ~ f1& ,,ssssa,,(e ff the S-
s-ean4 ae no,,ra-s ss-o 1oreve,,ted a,,v ones
go, go son,e , 1a,d,a l, ,,oves left an
parently by accident, at the angle OF T
aIst =, ,st o-i
,,e,1 10 .,1,,,oe that te3
had a'ee been IN noticed ee they slinned in and
sat down.
Praaantlv the moon rose and. aa II I
climbed higher. and its light grew
stronger. the building became visible I
throughout with light which was most
unearthIy and ghostly in its character
This impressed itself very much upon
RaaaIton
- esT -, - "a. ea.,.,o,,+ ;, 1,a ,r,,;s
nlsu no slsa.' sssllst al, 4I - 10,
Pered to the officer, " that the place was
s;4 81 = = Is,,st Own + abo11ld not ike
- =. " - w. e 1T 5a,.a al p;abt Howayer
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