The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-08-13


more had I remained" Richmond re-
sponded. Il have drawn some surpris-
ing conclusions, and the test must be
put from outside. have only to wait
now for the reports concerning the
movements Of coiners who have passed
through Shasnal."
Here are the records Of three cases.
why you pick upon coiners don't
understand"
"On the other hand, these records"
Richmond returned, a slight color
mounting to his face, appear to con-
firm my suspicious. Does II not strike
you as being strange, sir, that each OF
these men left the country almost i'm
mediately upon being released from
Shasnal? | note one went to Australia,
where ne bought a small farm, which
he has since successfully cultivated;
another went to America, where he
quickly ran through sum of money
winch was considerable for d man of
his position, and then turned his atten-
tion to forgery; the last went out to
Durham, bought the good will of
small public house, and drank himself
TO death. In this taste for emigration,
which seems to have been inctlcated at
Shasnal to one convicted for coining.
seem to see a great deal to support
my conclusions"
Which are?" interorgated the sec
retary.
THAT there is secret mint at
Shashnal."
"Preposterous!" the minister ejacu-
ulated. "A mint in one of her mai
esty's prisons? Dear, dear! You must
,n.nh "a sv.Aethlns more likeIy-mure
possible!"
Pardon me; but | cannot think of
anything more possible to a man in
the governors position, who had the
instincts of an enterprising criminal.
He has every faeility-immunity from
raids. unlimited strong cells, which
could readily be turned into work.
shops. a pretty regular succession of
skilled colners. whose assistance could
be bought for leniency and a little
from prison, and whose secrecy could
be absolutely relied upon"
Looked at like that, It appears pos
sible; but it is rather risky to base
conclusions upon mere possibilities"
the secretary replied, with quiet cyni-
cism.
Il don't-at least, not entirely. War
der Williams attempted to discover
whether l had done any coming. He
vas remarkably genial until he learned
that had not, when he became surly
almost to brutality. He was remark
ably genial to Seventy-eight and Twen-
ty-four, who were the only men In
Shashnal who had any coming. These
two men were never in the labor yard.
Why? They always looked pictures of
health. Time after time I saw them
enter or leave the entrance of the base
nent cells. at the side of the governors
house, which were condemned three
years ago a. unhealthy"
"Ah. we have something tangible
IN the use Of the condemned basement
cells" the secretary said thoughtfully.
THAT matter shall be inquired into at
once. The best thing you can do is
TO eend in your report, Captain Rich
mond. and then we can duly consider
the matter"
Hc rose, blandily, and held out his
hand.
Next day Captain Richmond received
a check for his services. He tore It up
IN disgust. and then wished he had not.
He was still debating in his mind
whether he could ask for another check
when he received an ofIicial document
appointing him queens messenger.
For a time he was puzzled to know
why he had been appointed. But he
was not kept long in the dark, for he
was called to the home ONCE, where
tho secretary graciously apologized for
having secuted the coming theory.
Two prison commissioners had visited
SEashnal to Inquire why the basement
cells were being used. 1t was denied
that such was the case. The commits
sIoners demanded to look over the
tssement, No one knew where the
keys were, Other obstacles we're put
in the commissioners path, but every
thing was overruied and the basement
opened by force,
Discoveries were made which left
TO doubt that your conclusion was only
too accurately drawn" said the score
tary, lowering between confidence and
rticence, "The governor resigned be-
lore the commissioners left, and tho
deputy governor was appointed as q
stop-gap, The same evening a raid
was made upon a pawnhrokci g shop
in Mile End, kept ny Warder Williams
brother, and between a400 and e600
of base coin was found there, Strange
to say, the police have been interested
In that shop for some time, owing to
the frequent complaints of sailors. who
largely frequent it. that bad money
had there been foisted upon them, The
business was an excellent medium for
passing the coins, We are inquiring
what other methods were also adopted,
Considerable changes will be made at
ghochnal hut N &c undesirable tha 4