The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1895-02-09
Jimmy had been a thief from bovhood.

Jimmy had been thief from boyhood,
and those who knew him felt persuaded
that nothing would make him give up
his 0lrecr of crime. 1t was this belief,
coupled with my knowledge of Jimmy's
return to Woolford, that made me sus-
pect him of taking the diamonds.
When Jimmy was not in prison, he
worked as bricklayer's paddy" and
made his home at one of the big COM
mon lodging-houses in a low part of
the town. Two or three days after the
diamond robbery went one evening
towards his house, intending to have
an interview with Jimmy and hear
what he had to say for himself BY
good fortune 1 met him just outside
the door and stopped him. He regarded
me calmly and with perfect equanim-
ity. He was at all times n curious lit
tie man-dwarfish in stature, very
slightly deformed, and always full of a
certain quaint assurance, mixed with a
sly demeanor which was amusing to
everybody. My interview with Jimmy
threw no light whatever on the mys-
terry, as he pleaded ignorance of the
whole affair. II Jimmy had got the
diamonds, he had done his work SO
thoroughly that clew of any descrip-
ton was not yet discoverable. And it
was just that want of clew that per-
suaded me of Jimmy's guilt. knew
of no other man who could have done
the work so thoroughly.
During the next two or three days
thought matters over from all points
of view, but L could find nothing to
warrant me in taking steps against
Jimmy Timble. wondered if he had
been associated with others in the
burglary. More than once he had
worked in company with his brother,
Jerry Timble; but it was impossible
for him to have had any help from
Jerry on this occasion, for the simple
reason that the unfortunate Jerry was
spending twelve months in the county
Jail for stealing. And it appeared to
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 well 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 Timble's movements were
watched very jealously. His goings
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, l do not know; but if 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 I found him next
morning when went my round. He
looked at me with half-rueful, half
comical expression of countenance.
Back again, Jimmy?" said |. 81
thought you had turned over new
leafr'
80 did l, Mr.. Burton, he answered.
"But you fellows don't give us poor
chaps 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 it,
Mr. Burton?"
hn Eun
will this, Jimmy?" said l. what u
foolish man you are. Why don't you
reform and live honestly?"
He smiled knowingly at me. ''Why
do birds hy?" said he. "'Cos they're
used to it. It's natur'-that's what it
is. Mr.. Burton"
So Jimmy languished in the town
Jail for 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
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"
said /. 1--WE shan't see any more of
you for awhile!"
You're right there, Mr.. Burton" he
answered. "And shan't see any more
of you, eh? L don't care-I can do five
years on my head. But I'm sorry
shan't be able to see Jerry. He comes
out next week."
II believe he does"
"We were always very fond of each
other, me and jerry" said Jimmy Tim
BILE. very fond we was. We've worked
things together many time"
"You have, and given US good deal
Of trouble with your efforts"
II dare say" answered Jimmy, inn
perturbable as ever-''I dare say. But
say, Mr.. Burton, You might do me
favor. I've always looked on you as
friend; and when chaps got put