Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1889-02-15
A DETECTIVE.

An occasion was not long waiting An
adroit forgery came to light, of which one
of the city banks had been the victim, and
large reward was offered for the capture of
the perpetrators.
Facts tended to fasten suspicion on a young
merchant who had lately tailed under ques-
tionable circumstances, and whose disappear
ance, shortly after the forgery had first led
to coupling his name with the affair.
Evidence sufficient to justify his arrest was
at length accumulated, and orders were given
by our chief for his apprehension on sight
Here was the chance l had longed for. The
shrewdest of the force had failed to gain any
trace oe the fugitive. Could but strike tho
trail and run the game to earth while so
many were at fault would be a made man,
to say nothing of the reward to be pocketed.
Opinion was much divided as to whether
Nimblenib-that was the forger's narne-was
concealed in the city, OF whether he had
gone into hiding elsewhere.
One day thought it could do no harm to
take jaunt of observation to a neighboring
city.
Entering the train early, selected a place
which gave a good opportunity to observe
the passengers as they arrived, which made
it my business to do while pretending to be
busy with the morning paper
A genteel looking man, of middle age SEEM
ingly. shared the seat with me, and by de-
grees we fell into conversation.
''You belong to the detective force, per-
ceive," remarked the stranger, glancing at
the badge which a slight arrangement of the
lapel of my coat had left partly exposed.
Blushing at the inadvertence, fastened
to conceal the tell tale token.
ND l. hot
Nimbenib, must be a sharp fellow so long to
avoid tine vigilance of you gentry
"Well have him yet" l replied with the
air of man who knew good deal more
than he chose to tell.
TITS to be hoped So" returned the stranger
dryly. 81 suppose you would recognize him
if you saw him."
son the spot,'' I said confidently.
''You have seen him, tben?'
'sNo; but l have his description so accu-
rately that l could pick him out from
thousand"
'Don't be too sure of that" my companion
answered. snow Ihave seen Dick Nimble-
nib fifty times, and would know him at a
glance, but never by tho printed descriptions
| have seen-but stay-as live"
| The stranger gave start of astonishment,
| and, before could inquire the reason, added
in a suppressed tone:
s'Don't look, at present, at the person OF
whom Pm going to speak. He sits on the
end next us of the thiTd seat in front, on the
/. opposite side. Wait a moment and then
scan him cautiously
did as directed, and saw a young gentle
man, whose face wore disturbed expression
as he kept glancing about anxiously.
edo Won know himSh | incurred.
IT do" whispered the stranger.
"Who is hes"
stDick Nimblenib."
half sprang to my feet, my purpose being
to arrest the man on the SPOT. The stranger
hand on my arm restrained me.
"Not so fast said he, cor you may spoil all.
Though not professional, I'll give you bit
of advice for what it's worth Keep the
man in sight till he leaves the train; then
follow him to his hiding place, where you'll
have chance not only to find such confirma-
tory proofs as shall remove all doubt OF his
guilt, but may succeed i'll bagging his ac-
complies"
The advice seemed so wise that determined
to follow it.
At the next station the stranger, who told
me his name was Pilchard, took his leave,
wishing success to my enterprise.
The young man forward, from whom
scarce once removed my eyes, grow more
fidgety as the time passed. His looks wan
dered distrustfully from side to side, and as
each new conner entered his startled manner
betrayed feeling akin to fright.
Station after station was passed; but,
though his agitation increased every moment,
the young man never left his seat. Patiently
as d cat in ambush kept watch, longing for
the moment to make the fatal spring.
1t was growing dusk when we stopped at q
large town. where fifteen minutes were al
lowed for supper.
There was general rush of the passengers
and in the confusion l lost sight Of my man
He had certainly passed ont with the crowd
should probably find him i'll the supper room
l went through it, but he was not there.
searched high and low; he was nowhere to be
found.
The last thing to do was to keep watch a.
the passengers returned to take their places
With the vigilance of q sentinel paced The
, platform by the side of the waiting train, but
he did not return.
exhausted inquiry and description, but II
vain could gain no trace of the missing
7 forger How blamed my stupidity in allow
ing him to slip through my fingers, and al
through giving heed to the shallow advice O
that officious Pilchard How could l hav
been such donkey!
| Another train would leave in O couple O.
hours. Possibly Nimbiepib might resume hi
journey on that, thinking to break his trai
by the interval There was nothing better
| than to wait and see.
The time passed slowly, but my patienc
was rewarded at last.
A carriage drove up, and who should ste]
out but the person was seeking, followed by
lady to whom he offered his arm.
I advanced and laid my hand upon hi
shoulder.
81 have orders to arrest you," said.
The man seemed thunsierstruck, arc tn
lady uttered a scream.
81 have done ~ thing to make me amenabl
to the law" said the former, recovering him
self with an effort.
"You1l have an opportunity to prove that.
1 answered, but my present duty is to tai
: you into custody"
Before had time to answer a stout, fori
> old gentleman came bustling from a trai
which had just arrived, and, catching sigh
of my prisoner and his companion, began t
. berate them soundly
"This man is under my protection" sail
J addressing the choleric stranger, land cal
not permit him to be abused"
81 don't see what business it is of yours
returned the testy gentleman.
"He is my prisoner" l said with dignity
"Your prisoner" he exclaimed 81 kno
u the rascal deserves hanging for runnin
e away with my niece-leastways she ran ava
, Yesterday and he followed her today
L seems. got on their track by accident; b.
don't see what concern it is of yours"
IT have arrested him on charge of fo
gerry" explained.
"The more fool you'll" was the abrupt r.
tort "Whatever objections may have
Ned Parsons marrying nay niece, he's g