Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1889-03-22

A DETECTIvE.


being installed a member of the detective
force of young Western city, my first
wish was for an opportunity to show
my superiors and the public the metal l
was made of.
An occasion was not long waiting
An adroit forgery came to light, of
which one of tho city banks had been
the victim, and Il large reward was
offered for the capture of the perpetra-
tors.
Facts tended to fasten suspicion on q
young merchant who had lately failed
under questionable circumstances, and
whose disappearance, shortly after tho
forgery. had first led to coupling his
name with the affair.
Evidence sufficient to justify his ar.
rest was at length accumulated, and
orders were given by our chief for his
apprehension on sight.
Here was the chance | had longed
for. The shrewdest of the force had
failed to gain any trace Of the fugitive
Could | but strike the trail and run the
game to earth while so many were al
fault, would be made man, to say
nothing Of the reward to DO pocketed
Opinion was much divided AZ to
whether Nimblenib, that was tho forg-
er's name, was concealed in the city, or
whether he had gone into hiding else
where
One day thought it could do no
harm to take jaunt of observation to u
neighboring city.
Entering the train early, selected a
place which gave good opportunity to
observe tho passengers as they arrived,
which had it my business to do while
pretending to be busy with the morn
ing paper.
A gentcel looking man, of middle ago
seemingly, shared the seat with me, and
by degrees We fell into conversation.
"You belong to the detective force, |
perceive" remarked the stranger, glanc-
ing ut the badge which a slight do
rangement of the lapel of my coat had
left partly exposed.
Blushing at the inadvertence, has
tened to conceal the tell-tale token.
"By the way" he continued. chat
scamp. Nimblenib, must be sharp fol
low SO long to avoid the vigilance of
you gentry"
"We'll have him yet, replied. with
the air of man who knew good deal
more than he chose TO tell.
"Its to be hoped So" returned the
stranger dryly. II suppose you would
recognize him il you saw him."
Son tho spot" | said confidently.
"You have seen him, then 7"
"No; but have his description so
accurately that | could pick him out
from n thousand"
Don't be sure of that" my com
panion answered. snow I have seen
Dick Nimblenib fifty times, and would
know him at glance; but never by
the printed descriptions ! have seen, but
stay, as | live!"
The stranger gave start Of aston
ishment, and before could inquire the
reason, added in u suppressed tone :
Don't look, at present, at the per.
son of whom I'm going to speak. lie
sits on the end next us Of the third seat
in front, on the opposite side. Wait a
moment and then scan him cautiously y
| did as directed, and saw young
gentleman, whose face wore disturbed
expression as he kept glancing about
anxiously.
"Do you know him 7" inquired.
II do" whispered the stranger.
"Who is her
"Dick Nimblenib."
I half sprang to my feet. my purpose
being TO arrest the man on the spot
The strangers hand on my arm re-
strained me.
"Not so fast, said he, "or you may
spoil all. Though not a professional
I'll give you bit of advice for what It'll
worth. Keep the man in sight till h'
leaves the train; then follow him to hi
hiding place, where you'll have a chance
not only to find such confmatory proof
as shall remove all doubt Of his guilt
but may succeed in bagging his accom-
plices."
The advice seemed so wise that dc
termined follow it.
At the next station the stranger. VIII
told me his name was Pilchard, took hi
leave. wishing success to my enterprise
The young man forward, from whor
| scarce once removed my eyes, grev
more fdgetY as the time passed. Iii
looks wandered distrustfully from sid
to side, and as each new conner entere
his startled manner betrayed feelin