Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-08-12
wholly at fault as much as though I never

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wholly at fault as much as though I neye
had had hint at all to follow.
Nine days had gone by since 1 had come
to T. l turned into beer garden in tht
neighborhood of the town one evening, anc
sat down near a well-lighted bowling-alley
in which about ten men were busy at game
My seat was rather in the shade. l paid
little attention to the players but leaned my
head upon my hand and reviewed the defeat
had sustained and the small estimation in
which I should be held for the sake of it, by
my colleagues and chief at home, feeling al
together extremely out of humor. Suddenly
an ill-thrown ball rolled almost to my feet.
"a miss, miss !" shouted several voice:
together, while one cried, "Why, .Bottcher
is your hand not even yet recovered? You
are not complaining of it still ?"
I felt like huntsman in the forest who
sees the game at his guns end. l was on
the alert that second. l lost no time in find
ing out all Herr Bottcher's antecedents. He
was merchant, one of Frau Friedow's con-
nections, and an occasional visitor at her
house. He was a continual guest at this
place of entertainment. l brought the doc.
ter here next evening, and set him to work
stealthily considering my game. My dis.
comfture was great when be fatty refused
to identify Herr Bottcher as one and the
same person. They might be one, he con.
fessed but then-they might not.
If the medico turned rusty, like this, it
seemed to be utterly useless to bring hither
the ferry. woman on like errand. l must
trust on myself alone. We officials have two
methods of doing business of this sort. We
use the long or short line according as either
seemed most likely to suit. | determined to
try one after the other.
In order to put Bottcher quite off the scent,
I went now to the host of this house of enter.
tainment and introduced myself to him as a
Hamburg agent for the forbidden lotteries.
I begged him to keep this close, but saw
by bis face that he intended doing nothing of
the kind. Next morning, to my great con-
tentment, I found myself outwardly under
the supervision of the town police and gen.
orally regarded by the public as shabby in
dividual.
l meantime was as busy as ever, but it was
little that I discovered. Herr Bottcher was
certainly not in good repute among his tel'
lows. Nevertheless, l could hear of no par
ticular difficulty in which he had fallen Of
late, although I did learn that he had three
weeks since, made basty journey. One lit.
tie fact, however, seemed to me of great
worth-Herr Bottcher these times, slept bad.
ly, and was wont to rise often by night and
pace up and down the garden.
I lay lurking for two entire nights under
bushes, in this same plot; but during all
these weary hours whoever did come to this
place Herr Bottcher unfortunately did not,
and in the garden I could find no trace of
any hidden treasure or likelihood of such.
l fell into greater despair than before.
What could do? Upon one side my abso-
lutte certainty of fhaving tracked my man on
the other, no earthly means Of bringing home
his guilt. If only had sufficient ground to
demand search through the rascals house !!
But had not. One afternoon | was walk
ing up and down my room considering, when
the post brought me brief but concise and
decisive despatch from my chief:
Return Immediately, unless all matters
are in train. Give up. Your presence here
is necessary"
This order was like thunder-clap in my
ears. The commanding officer was plainly
displeased at my long delay. Should sim
ply throw the card down, or venture all on
one trick this same evening, so as to be ready
to depart tomorrow, at furthest? l decided
upon 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
10y. | bent over Bottcher now and whis-
pered that I had weightier matter to talk
over with him.
"What may it be ?" he inquired calmly.
"You believe I am here as lottery
agent?'
He nodded.
II am not, however. I have been sent here
on detective business by the Prussan police
officer" Herr Bottcher took this revelation
significantly. On the instant he knew not
how to compose 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 a second or
two, during which I had studied him as a
serpent does his prey, he said in constrain.
ed voice:
"How does that concern me, pray, good
sir ?"
"You have heard of a widow Friedow from
whom large sum Of money has been stolen.
have come here to hunt up the thief l
have got the right track. You, know, are
related to her, and concerned in the the prop
erty she possessed as probable heir"
While I spoke thus l looked him straight
in the eyes. They sparkled like those of an
angry cat making ready to spring.
"And you will arrest me, | suppose?" he
gasped angrily.
1 should have loved to seize him by the
throat then and there, shouting, "In the
name of the law" TO this day wonder
how I restrained myself, but did.
"How can you talk so?" l exclaimed,
calmly. ri only meant that you must help
me bring the criminal to justice, being as
you are interested in the inheritance"
with all the pleasure of my life," be re-
piled heartily. II will do what can. But
what is it you want Of me ?"
"Early tomorrow I will come to you to
consult over the matter, and we can then
decide on our proceedings"
Bottcher drew long breath. "This is
most unfortunate" he exclaimed. 81 have
an urgent summons, and must start from
T before daybreak. Perhaps l may
even be obliged to leave this evening. l owe
heavy sum of money, and must appear
personally to my creditor and demand fur
ther delay. I cannot wait"
I could scarce restrain my joy. The game
had run his head right into my lasso; only