Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1879-05-02

among MS tellOWS. NeNertneleSS, L
could hear of no particular difficulty
into which he had fallen of late, al
though l did learn that he had, three
weeks since, made a hasty journey.
One little fact, however, seemed TO me
of great worth. Herr Bottcher these
times slept badly, and was wont to rise
often by night and pace up and down
through the garden.
1 lay lurking for two entire nights
under bushes in this same plot; but
during all those weary hours whoever
did come TO this place Herr Bottcher
unfortunately did not, and in the gar
den | could find no trace of any hidden
treasure, or likelihood of such. 1 fell
into greater despair than before. What
could | doP Upon one side my abso-
Lutte certainty of having tracked my
man. On the other no earthly means
of bringing home his guilt. If only
had even sufficient ground to demand a
search through the rascars housel but
had not. One afternoon / was walk
ing up and down my room considering,
when the post brought me brief but
concise and decisive dispatch from my
chief. "Return Immediately, unless
all matters are in train. Give up.
Your presence here is necessary"
This order was like thunderclap in
my ears. My commanding officer was
plainly displeased at my long delay.
Should simply throw the cards down
or venture all on one trick this same
evening, so as to be ready to depart to-
morrow at furthestP | decided for the
last alternative.
Twelve gentlemen sat in the town
club room. My friend made one of
them. To his great surprise sat down
close to him, and began to talk little
Presently our nearest neighbor stood up
and departed, to my great Joy. 1 bent
over to Bottcher now, and whispered
that l had a weighty matter to talk
over with him.
"What may it beP" he inquired
calmly.
"You believe 1 am here as lottery
agentP'
He nodded
"I am not, however. 1 have been
sent here on detective business by the
Prussian Police Office Herr Bottcher
took this revelation significantly. On
the instant he knew not how to COM
pose his features. He first drew IN his
face as if wishing to look astonished.
and then he tried to smooth away all
but supreme indifference. After Sec
ond or two, during which had studied
him as a serpent does its prey, he said
in a constrained tone:
"How does that concern me, pray,
good sirP''
"You have heard of widow
Friedow, from whom a large sum of
money was stolen. | have come here
to hunt up the thief. Ihaveg on the
right track. You, know, are related
to her, and concerned in the property
she possessed as a probable heir"
While l spoke thus l looked him
straight into the eyes. They sparkled
like those of an angry cat making
ready to spring.
"AndyOu will arrest me, 1 supposed"
he gasped angrily.
should have loved to seize him by
the throat then and there, shouting.
"In the name of the law" To this
day l wonder how l restrained myself,
but 1 did. ......
"How can you talk SOP exclaimed,
calmly. 81 only mean that you must
help me bring the criminal to justice;
being, as you are, interested in the in
heritance."
"With all the pleasure in life," he
replied heartily. 81 will do what l
can. But-what is it you want of me?"
"Early tomorrow will come to you
to consult over the matter, and we can
then decide on our proceedings"
Bottcher drew a long breath. This
is most unfortunate" he exclaimed.
81 have had an urgent summons, and
must start from T. before daybreak.
Perhaps may even be obliged to leave
this evening l owe heavy sum of
money, and must appear personally to
my creditor to demand further delay. l
cannot wait" l could scarce restrain
my joy. The game had run his head
right into my lasso; only one pull now,
and the knot was fast.
Don't trouble" l said, quietly.
By-and-by will do for me. shall be
in L. for another week; when you come
back will answer as we'll"
"All right; l expect to return in a
couple of days" he exclaimed. but
stay, one question! Is DIR. Miding mixed
up in this affair?''
"Do you know him?"
"By sight only"
"He will help me to identify the
CRIMINAL" l said, coolly looking full
into my companions face, which took
a horrible tint and expression now.
"Can he do SOP"
Certainly. He saw the man dressed
like laborer, the morning after the
robbery was effected"
"Who was this rulfian?' Bottcher
asked, breathlessly.
"His name is-Ebbing Il think" /
answered at haphazard.
al don't know him." was the reply
to this.
a. dare say" said; "he only comes
here at times" 1 rose now, broke off
our conversation with every appear
ance of confidence and departed, hay
ing shaken Bottcher by the hand. l
went stealthily to his house and waited.
l had been here but about a quarter of
an hour when trap dashed up to the
door. Bottcher sprang out of it, went
inside for few minutes, and then re-
appeared, carrying something under
his left arm. AS he got upon one side
of the vehicle | jumped upon the other,
and seized hold of my game. He made
not the least resistance, but sat like one
enchanted.
care those Frau Friedow's papers
you have under your armP" inquired.
"Yes, they are,' he replied.
made the coachman take us where
I pould mt tho rnhhar in 90 70 kaaninn
When a man is suddenly discovered
in a crime he is sure to commit some
piece of folly. 1 had reckoned upon
this, and was not out in so doing. My
game had literally walked into my
hand, and L felt rewarded at last for all
my trouble and disappointing delays.
Bottcher was sentenced to six years
in the House of Correction. His coad-
jutor was not caught.-FronI a German
DetectiUe'S Note Book.