The Van Buren press., 1895-03-02

good fortune l met him just OutSid(
the door and stopped him. He regarded
me calmly and with perfect equanim
ity. He was at all times curious lit
tie man-dwarfsh in stature, very
slightly deformed, and always full Of I
certain quaint assurance, mixed with
sly demeanor which was amusing *
everybody. My interview with Jimm,
threw no light whatever on the mys
terry, as he pleaded ignorance Of thu
whole affair. If Jimmy had got thu
diamonds, he had done his work 81
thoroughly that a clew OF any descrip
ton was not yet discoverable. And 1
was just that want Of clew that per
suaded me of Jimmy's guilt. knew
of no other man who could have don'
the work SO thoroughly.
During the next two or three days
thought matters over from all pointl
Of view, but could find nothing t.
warrant me In taking steps agains
Jimmy Timble. ! wondered If he hat
been associated with others in tht
burglary. More than once he hat
worked In company with his brother
Jerry Timble; but 1t was impossible
for him to have had any help from
Jerry on this occasion, for the simple
reason that the unfortunate Jerry wat
spending twelve months In the county
Jail for stealing. And 1t appeared te
me, upon considering the case still
more deeply. that, it being an affair Of
great magnitude, Jimmy Timble would
prefer to work it single-handed. The
secret, therefore, rested with him, and
there was nothing but patience to be
exercised.
As no trace OF the diamonds could be
found, we thought it we'll to keep a
watch on two or three suspicious char
acters In the town, with view of dis
covering the whereabouts of the valu'
ables. 1t seemed to us that the thief or
thieves must have planted the jewels
in some safe spot, and waited until the
agitation had blown over before re.
moving them. Thus it came about that
Jimmy Timbles movements were
watched very jealously. His goinRs
out and his comings in were noted,
and the eye of the law was constantly
upon him. Whether Jimmy was aware
OF this or not, do not know, but II he
was, he suddenly did foolish thing
he allowed himself to be caught, one
dusky February evening, In the very
act Of burglarious'y entering DWELL
ing house. and within an hour he was
safely ensconced in the cells of the
police court. There / found him next
morning when l went my round. He
looked at me with half-rueful, half
comical expression of countenance.
Back again, Jimmy?" said l. ~
thought you had turned over o new
leafl'
$50 did 1, Mr.. Burton" he answered.
"But you fellows don't give us poor
chaps a chance you don't, indeed. Just
because wanted to look through the
window Of house last night they run
me in here. Too bad; now, amt 1t,
Mr.. Burton?"
'It'll be another five years penal,
will this, Jimmyq" said I. what a
AooAioA Hull you urc! why uou yOu
reform and live honestly?"
He smiled knowingly at me- "Why
do birds fy?" said he. "'Cos they're
used to it. It's natur'-thats what 1t
is. Mr.. Burton"
So Jimmy languished in tho town
jail for a few weeks, having been COM
mitted for trial. Then the assizes
came on at Woolford, and he was
brought up to stand his very doubtful
chance. His trial was little more than
q formality, for Jimmy had been caught
in the very act Of inserting his pocket
crowbar in the windowledge of the
house. He was found guilty, and SEN
fenced to five years penal servitude
and certain term of police supervi-
sion.
went to have word or two with
Jimmy In the cells, as he waited there
for removal to his next abiding place.
His sentence did not seem to have dis
turbed his equanimity, and he smiled
very placidly as l greeted him.
'''Well, you've done it again, Jimmy"
bulu l. We sHuu Y bCc duy iuoTc VI
you for awhile!'
''You'ro right there, Mr.. Burton" he
answered. "And l shan'ts see any more
Of you, eh? Idon't care-I can do five
years ON my head. But I'm sorry I
shan't be able to see Jerry. He comes
out next week"
~ believe he does"
1--WE were always very fond of each
other, me and jerry" said Jimmy Tim
BILE. Every fond we was. We've worked
things together many time"
I lyon have, and given us good deal
Of trouble with your efforts"
~ dare say" answered Jimmy, i'm
as ever-"I dare say. But
l say, Mr.. Burton, you might do me n
favor. I've always looked. on you as a
friend and when chaps got put
away for five years, he naturally looks
to his friends, don't he?"
II suppose he does, Jimmy. Well,
what is it you want?"
"Why, there's two or three things at
the lodging house that I would like
given to Jerry when he comes out.
There's knife, and watch chain,
and two or three other little articles
all come by honest, Mr.. Burton. Oh,
and there's o book, the Pilgrims
Progress-a very interesting book is
that. win you tell the lodging-house
folks to liver them up to Jerry, Mr..
Burton?"
''very well, Jimmy. Perhaps I'd
better take charge Of them myself and
give them to Jerry the next time see
him. l shall be sure to come across
him as soon us he comes out"
"I'd take it real kind If you would, !"
said Jilnmy; ''and you might tell him
to keep that Pilgrims Progress cos