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

brought some little refreshments with me-
so let us make ourselves comfortable"
In silence they ate and drank and in
silence, save for the Ginning of the clock,
or the occasional tread of policeman, the
hours crept on. The policeman passed
within couple Of yards of the watchers
repeatedly, but whether they knew Of
their presence or not Baselton. could not
judge. The length and WEAKNESS Of the
hours grew at last intolerable to him, and
seeing that the sergeant was as cool and
wideawake as when they first entered
their lair, he whispered, 81 feel terribly
drowsy, Sergeant; ! always do about
this time. Five minutes nap will make
me as fresh as daisy. Rouse me up if
you hear anything before that time"
His companion smiled, and in the same
subdued tone, gave the promise.
Nothing did happen requiring Mr.. Ba-
seltons presence either before or after the
expiration of five minutes, although the
officer stealthily looked out hundred
times during the night. AT last the
darkness thinned away, and then, after a
short gray twilight, dawn came, and the
sergeant shook Baselton by the shoulder.
eyes. yes, m ready stammered the
exhibitor, then he opened his eyes very
wide indeed. "Why, it's daylight
must have slept"
eyes of course you have, interrupted
the other, "but let us 60 out quietly |
don't mind our men seeing us. of course ;
but others need not know Of our watch. "
ii think the less your men or anybody
else know about the way we kept our
watch, the BETTER" said Mr. Baselton, as
they left the counter; in fact, / shall re-
gard it as friendly thing you say moth.
ing about IT,"
The sergeant smiled, but kept his own
counsel; and it may be limited that Ba-
selton was very liberal fellow, although
somewhat hasty. 1t turned out that no
pilfering had taken place that night, nor
did any occur for two or three nights
after, fact which Mr.. Glisser attributed
to the influence Of Mr.. Baseltons vigi.
lance. He took great interest in the ex-
hibitor's plans, and paid him several COM
pliments, which the latter received with
but Indifferent grace, having reasons that
the other knew nothing of for thinking
but modestly of the same vigilance.
One morning, little while after the
fruitless watch, Mr.. Baselton was in a
very bad temper, for he had sustained a
fresh loss. He was leaning against a
pillar, some short distance from his coun-
ter, thoughtfully biting the ends of his
pencil case, when a man spoke to him. He
looked round at the sound, and saw a pc.
lice cons table, whom he very much dis.
liked for his apathy and unbusincss-lke
way, standing close by him. He growled
out some hardly civil words, and turned
from the man, but the latter was not to
be daunted.
ii am afraid you have had loss, SIR -
said the man, 'and hope it is not very Sc
rious; but at any rate, l should like a
word or two with you"
"What for 90 retorted Baselton. 81
have lost gold watch, and as have not
breathed syllable about it to soul,
don see how you could know anything
of il, unless some of your lively force
have"
You are too severe, Mr.. Baselton.'
said the other. finding he stopped; ''you
are, indeed, sir. Now, sir, | have my
opinion about these roberies, and / think
| have found out the order the thief
works in, and can pretty well guess in
what quarter he will try next. believe
| can catch him.
"You y exclaimed Bsselton, with an
emphasis which was anything but com.
Elementary TO the fficer.
Eyes, sir" replied the man firmly, 81
can. You have good deal of influence
with the authorities, and if you will ask,
! shall be taken off regular duty and de.
tailed for special service, and | can then
catch him.
well. tell me your plans" said Basle-
ton F.; "and, in return, will tell you this;
you know there are ESQ offered on the