River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1877-10-11
UMBER 81.

OlCO rs a SoiL VI lot raw nlCIl-
bers of the force. l was so fortunate as
to find here courteous chief and agree
able colleagues. One man in particular,
named Bratic, awakened in me a strong
interest, which increased when he was
painted out by my associates as most
remarkably successful detective. / sought
conversation with him ON matters con-
nected with the service, but found little
encouragement; he met me always polite
| ly, but his manner was distant, and his
/ words few. 1t was long before / discov-
cred that there was one subject upon
which he was ready TO discourse-the
various admirable traits Of his only son.
USUALLY such unlimited praise bestowed
on a child by parent pIoyokes laugh
/ ter, bat tins enthusiasm was SO in con-
trast 10 Bratics ordinary manner that
could not but feel touched by it. Through
/ the sxertions OF the father, this son had
already obtained an excellent position in
| q bank, and WIS fayorite with the di-
reclors.
about six months after my arrival in
/ P, there occurred a sudden lull in
our business, as if the brotherhood of our
rogues had agreed upon a strike, in the
hope that we might die of ennui. Prob
| ably 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 a 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 com
ply with the wish of Mr.. Melcher, and
called for Bratic, whose residence was in
the neighborhood, with the intention of
placing the matter in his charge. But
when he came, he had so much the APP
pearance of a man suffering from exhaus-
| ton or the approach of serious illness,
that the chief earnestly advised that he
should rest, and leave the affair to anoth-
er. Bratic, however, insisted that he was
perfectly well, and ready for the under
taking.
Mr.. Melcher was much relieved to see
the matter in charge Of one with whose
reputation he was we'll acquainted. He
gave him a KEY to side door, or gate, of
the park, and Bratic entered upon his du
ties, which were not severe, being moth
ing more than to dine and sup with Mr..
Melcher, and to spend a considerable
portion of the day and night in rambling
about the park. About a week had
passed, when the chief received a few
| lines from Bratic, notifying him that he
was nc longer able to keep watch, ON ac
count of sudden illness, and requesting
that trustworthy person be sent in his
place. l was the only officer present,
| happening that time to be on duty.
The director did not consider IL 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 affairs.
The next morning was especially fine,
tempting me TO start upon my errand 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
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 ill
ness was nothing of any consequence,
only 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. Melchcr, 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 mis- mind from the subject, / asked
ONE questions about the various keys
AID picks which hung in groups upon
the wall.
a curious collection, is it notl" said
he sal gathered during my long service.
Some Of these / have taken from the
most notorious burglars. | believe
that every system of keys and every con
trivance for lock picking is represented
heren
The thought occurred to Us that it was
fortunate that all these dangerous nipple
ments were in the hands of q person of
proved honesty. We conversed for
few minutes on different matters, and |
rose to take my leave. At the same mo-
ment some one rushed up the stairs and
entered the room without ceremony. 1t
was a servant of Mr.. Melcher, who stood
for moment breathless, and then gasped
out, My master has been murderedw
Bratic groaned, ald 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 special charge to
be on guard. Even, l felt self-reproach
that had not urged the chief to send an
other officer Immediately. But it was
no time to indulge in vain regrets. /
sent the servant to inform the chief of the
murder, spoke a WORD of consolation and
sympathy to Bratic, and fastened to the
villa.
The body of the murdered man lay still
in bed, the features quiet and undisturb-
ed, as though in peaceful sleep. turned
down the cOverlct: between the fifth and
sixth ribs a dagger was driven TO the hilt.
This dagger, I was assured by the servant
who accompanied me, was the property of
Mr.. Melch er, who had been accustomed
to use it as a paper knife. The stroke
must have been made by sure and strong
hand. for it was evident that death had
followed instantly. At first sight the
room showed no trace of disturbance, but
on a careful examination / found that the |
doors of the iron safe were closed only, |
not locked. On opening ] saw that all
the compartments were in the most precise |
order, with single exception. Whether |
ANYTHING had been taken, | ofcourse could |
not know; if there was anything missing |
WHY had a considerable amount of money |
been left2 The whole affair seemed TO me |
mysterious and unaccountable.
/ locked the door of the room, to |
await the arrival of the magistrates, and |
began an investigation with the object !
of ascertaining in what manner the MUIR
derer had obtained entrance to the house.
1t seemed impossible that any of the ser
wants could be Implicated in the murder,
all being elderly. and in Melchers SER !