The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1877-09-06
Translated from the Illustrite Welt, by Mrs. B.
Wiedinger.
NUMBER 81.

Years ago | was on service as a police
man in P, a city which was reckon
ed as sort of seminary for raw members
of the force. | was so fortunate as to
find here a courteous chief and agreeable
colleagues. One man in particular,
named Bratic, awakened in me a strong
interest, which increased when he was
pointed out by my associates as most
remarkably successful detective. |
sought conversation with him on matters
connected with the service, but found
little encouragement; he met me always
politely, but his manner was distant,
and his words few. 1t was long before
| discovered that there was one subject
upon which be was ready to discourse
the various admirable traits of his only
son. Usually such unlimited praise be-
slowed on child by parent provokes
laughter, but this enthusiasm was so in
contrast to Bratic's ordinary manner
that | could not but feel touched by it.
Through the exertions of the father,
this son had already obtained an excel
lent position in bank, and was favor
tie with the directors.
About six months after my arrival in
P, there occurred sudden lull in
our business, as if the brotherhood of
rogues lad agreed upon a strike, in the
hope that we might die of ennui. Proba-
bly, the owners of extensive property
were heartily glad of unusual quiet, but
to US it was wearisome enough.
At last our chief was notified that an
attempt had been made to enter villa
in the suburbs, and that through the
merest accident it had failed of success.
The wealthy owner, Mr.. Melcher, en-
treated that special watch might be
kept about the house, as he had reason to
fear that the thieves had not given up
their design. Although our chief did
not share this fear, he was ready to
comply with the wish of Mr.. Melcher,
and called for Bratic, whose residence
was in the neighborhood, with the in
tention of placing the matter in his
charge. But when he came, he had SO
much the appearance of man suffering
from exhaustion or the approach of seri-
Gus illness, that the chief earnestly
advised that he should rest, and leave
the affair to another. Bratic, however,
insisted that he was perfectly well, and
ready for the undertaking.
Mr. Melcher was much relieved to see
the matter in charge of one with whose
reputation he was well acquainted. He
gave him Il key to a side door, or gate,
of the park, and Bratic entered upon
his duties, which were not severe, being
nothing more than to dine and sup with
Mr. Melcher, and to spend consider
able portion of the day and night in
rambling about the park. About a
week had passed, when the chief receiv-
ed few lines from Bratic, notifying him
that he was no longer able to keep watch,
on account of sudden illness, and re-
questing that trustworthy person be
sent in his place. 1t was already late in
the evening, and | was the only officer
present, happening at that time to be on
duty.
The director did not consider it neces-
sary to place another man on guard at
the house. but desired me to call on
Bratic during the following day, and
bring word as to the condition of af-
fairs
The next morning was especially fine,
tempting ME to start upon my GRAND i'm
mediately when released from duty
Bratic's door was opened by the old
housekeeper, who informed me that her
master was in bed but had not sent for
a physician, nor required any assistance
She then led the way to his sleeping
room. He was unusually pale, but his
eyes had the restless expression betoken-
ing fever. He assured me that the i'll
ness was nothing of any consequence,
only a feverish attack, probably caused
by indigestion. He thought it not need
full to call doctor, but was anxious lest
some mishap might occur at the house of
Mr.. Melcher, on account of his absence.
he could, however, give no other ground
for his fears, than a sort of presentiment,
which / endeavored to convince him
arose from depression Of spirits. To
draw his mind from the subject, / asked
some questions about the various keys
and picks which hung in groups upon the
wall.
A curious collection, is it not?" said
he, "all gathered during my long ser
vice. Some of these / have taken from
the most notorious burglars. | believe
that every system of keys and every
contrivance for lock-picking is represent
ed here"
The thought occurred to us that it was
fortunate that all these dangerous imple-
ments were in the hands of q person Of
proved honesty. We conversed for a
few moments on Indifferent matters, and
| rose to take my leave. At the same
moment some one rushed up the stairs
and entered the room without ceremony.
1t was servant of Mr.. Melcher, who
stood for moment breathleSs, and then
gasped out, MY master has been muir
deredr
Bratic groaned, and sank back on his
pillows. 1t was a terrible shock to the
faithful and Jealous official, that during
his absence the very evil should take
place against which it was his especial
charge to be on guard. Even | felt self
reproach that | had not urged the chief
to send another officer Immediately But
1t was no time to indulge in vain regrets.
| sent the servant to inform the chief of
the murder, spoke word of consolation
aud sympathy TO Bratic, and fastened to
the villa.
The body of the murdered man lay
still IN bed, the features quiet and undis-
turped, as though in peaceful sleep. |
turned down the coverlet; between the
nfth and sixth ribs dagger was driven
to the hilt. This dagger, / was assured
by the servant who accompanied me was
the property of Mr.. Melchner. who had
been accustomed to use it as 2 nanar /
knife. The stroke must have been made /
by a sure and strong hand, for it was evil
dent that death had followed Instantly /
At first sight the room showed no trace
OF disturbance, but in careful examina-
tion 4 found that the doors OF the iron
safe were closed esis, not locked, On