The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-08-24

made. that systematic grain stealing
was going on one of the constables was
engaged to watch the mill Adams al
ways knew when the Waterman was
present, for he had frequently sympa-
thized with Mr.. Waterman and used
to marvel with the mill owner and his
son that such things could be so sue
ceSSfully carried on.
No attempt was made to rob the mill
while the Waterman was employed,
but the vigilance had not been relax
ed three days before another break
was reported.
This vexed the sconstables, the mill
owner and the entire. town, and the
scheme of the spring gun was sug-
gested. a.s:4 Il
Some say it was loaded slightly; 9TH
-efs say that the charge was three
drains Of black powder an an. ounce
and an eighth of woodcock shot. The
range being close the shot, had no
chance to spread to a wider circle than
the top Of a coffee pot -
The wound was a hideous one, and
so shocking to the system of Adams
that he had to lie down in the grass
by the roadside to recover from semi
swoon. While in the grass, sick and
faint with pain, he was passed and
seen, but not recognized by Mr. Wa
terman's son, who was attracted by
the d1Scnarge OF the gun.
Nerve Like Tracy.
Physicians7 marvel at the nerve and
stamina. of the man in being able to
get to his horse, drive home and put
up the animal. ~
Some think he had a companion, but
this Adams stoutly denies. He told
the first physician called in that he
had been held up by highwaymen, but
when the spring gun affair was noised
about the town the authorities put two
and two together. searched the Adams
farm building and placed the owner
under arrest.
Thus Adams has confessed to moth
Ing more than he was. sure could be
poven against him.
In two big burglaries which have
taken place here within fifteen years
four men are known to have taken
part. In each instance one of the men
was described as tall and rather
slender.
When the George C. Allen house was
entered and $1,500 in gold and old coin
taken two men held Mr.. and Mrs. AL
len under their guns while the other
two searched the house.
One of the two with the guns was
tall, like Adams, and that the robbers
knew something about their victims
seems evident, as Mrs. Allen was asked
where her gold watch and long chain
were hidden.
They were under the pillow, but she
saved them by stoutly asserting that
they were at the jewelers.. Another
time when a, safe was blown four men
were seen coming from the building it
was in and one had set-up like Ad-
anne.
Friendship acted as no barrier to the
operations of this skilled burglar.
Quite the contrary seems to be the
truth, for he robbed one who was his
closest friend SO many times that the
friend had a kind of mysterious fond
ness for his unknown visitor.
Fondness for Politics.
Afterward he was sent to Montpelier
as representative in the legislature,
made town assessor, twice appointed
selectman and even now is a trustee
Of the library. y
Robberies were frequent about that
time, occurring sometimes as often as
once week. There was SO much dread
In town that the selectment were called
upon to act and Adams, as chairman
Of the board, suggested offering re-
ward. 4
Some few hundred dollars would be
paid to any person who would give in
formation that would lead to the de-
lection of Chester's arch bandit.
Adams saw togit that 1t was posted
en- Wayside powders and tackled to
trees.
1t amused him, and while yet the ink
was fresh he entered the home Of his
friend, Pollard, went into the bedroom
where Mr.. and Mrs. Pollard were
asleep, stole Mrs. Pollard's watch and
pocketbook, took the store keys from
Mr.. Pollard's trousers and rounded out
the evening by getting away with sew
eral hundred dollars worth Of cloth
Ing and other kinds of dry goods.
Adams Is said to be an omnivorous'
reader. He has a fine library and his
housekeeper, a motherly old lady, says
reading has ruined Mr.. Adams.
Reading Cause of Crimes.
DO you know" she continued, "he