The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1875-08-12
MISCELLANY.
4 LIVING STATUE.

Il L IL 1 Z.
In the height of exhibition season of
1892 there was great deal Of unpleasant
ness, mystery and suspicion generated in
the industrial palace by constant sue
cession OF petty 70 berries, which took place
nearly every night at the best stalls. Ar
ticles of value we're stolen from drawers
and boxes; monev left by stallkeepers
often went, unless very securely slowed
away but the depredators did not ven
ture on taking any bulky article, or on
breaking open any receptacle which
would require great force. They knew
their risks, that was evident and that
thiefts were committed by some person or
persons connected with the exhibition was
also beyond a doubt. Watches had been
set, traps had been laid over ane over
again, but all in vain. When too much
had been done in the way of planting
watchmen, no roberies took place at all .
and when articles had been purpnsely left
apparently forgotten, but in realty fixed
by the mjnutest wires TO bells which
sounded at the slightest touch, they were
left untouched The theft, if only one,
always stole, TOO. from places in the shade,
SO that he could command view of the
iiiNA = oECA NPdoSs. NtlAAc LC AlLHStIl 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 we're grouped round a box
which was open before them, and at
which they were looking with apparent
interest.
Good morning, Mr.. Base.ton.' said the
Officer very fine day We are likely to
have
Fine day. sir And very fine night
we have had, too, extorted the exhibit
or in tone far less pleasant than that in
which he had been addressed. Here's
pretty affair." Seven pounds worth of
Scotch pebbles set in silver breaches. ear
rings. and $ forth-the whole Of them
clean gone.
The sergeant, with expressions of re-
gret, said he would see the officer who had
been on duty. Mr.. BaSelton prOfessed to
have lost all confidence in the police, and
asserted that If he were TO watch, the
thief would certainly DC discovered the
very first night.
II wish you would try, then, ;" 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, vet, after little talk with
tho officer, the desire Of finding the thief,
and his belief in his own superior acute
ness. were strong enough to make him
volunteer 10 watch, and 1t was agreed
hat the sergeant should join him Just as
the palace was closed at night. when
shey would he on the lookout directly,
for it was impossible to say at what time
Of the night the robberies were commit
ted.
Strict silence was enjoincd on either side
and observed BY the sergeant entirely,
and by Mr.. BaSelton pretty well, as he
only mentioned his plan to Mr.. Chaten-
ouX Al the French stall just by, and to
his neighborS. Mr.. Hynks and NJ. Car
rabies. Mr.. Carrables. by the way, was
not there that morning; SO Bazelton told
Mr.. GliSSer, Mr.. CarrableS foreman, in
stead, who, in a becomingly sympathizing
tone. wished him success.
The evening come, the SPIES met. and
hung about the passages Of the vast build
ing until deepest twilight. and until
BaSleton was pretty nearly tired Of being
on his feet.
Now, said the sergeant, unconsciously
dropping his voice as he spoke, I'VE will
take up our quarters. If we can only
set there unperceived. have arranged
what | think yoa will find pretty good
corner
"All right, returned the exhibitor, III
the same guarded tone; and they stole
noiselesSiy on, passing once or twice &
constable; but the presence of the SER
geant, Of course. prevented any question.
Some large boxes, left apparently by ac-
eident, at the angle Of q stall, were, in
reality. 50 placed that they formed an al
most 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 it
ciImed higher. and It's light grew strong
er. the building became visible through
out with light which was most unearth-
" and ghostly in its character. This i'm
pressed itself very much upon Baselton.
Il had no iQee. Sergeant" he whisper
cd TO the officer. that the place was such
strange cemeteryish sort Of spot SIS it is.
must own | should not like TO be on du-
Y here sll night. However. l have