The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-08-09
How a Night in Cell No. 6
Brought Fortune to Two

'well here we are!" exclaimed one
Of two we'll dressed men who called at
the central police station yesterday
afternoon.
The two men stood together on the
sidewalk cycling the gray walls ana
the iron barred windows. Ihey turned
TO each other A smile spread across
the features of the youngest, who was
dressed in a neat brown suit. He wore
a. Derby hat and patent leather shoes.
His face was sunburned and had a
pleasing expression. His eyes were
deep set and of grayish color, and as
he turned to his companion they
twinkled and said inaudibly more than
his exclamation had expressed.
His companion, who was much older,
appeared more reserved and his fea-
lures did not relax. His eyes, after
glancing at his companion, turned up
wards and continued to study the stone
and iron bars.
ITO think that it was only ten years
ago!" exclaimed the younger of the
two.
The elder seemed absorbed in
thought and did not reply. His face
showed a strong character, and wore
traces of mental suffering. His hair
was sprinkled with gray, but he re-
tanned a youthful expression. HIS
manner indicated that he had shared
adversely as well as prosperity.
The older was arrayed in neat
black suit. He wore a broad brinlmed
hat with the crown denied. Upon his
tie sparkled a diamond. He had
heavy gold chain which dangled
against his light vest. His shoes,
though not as respondent as those of
his companion, were nevertheless
scrupulously polished.
Having concluded what seemed
lengthy meditation he turned to his
companion and said:
They Greet the Sergeant.
1--WE might as well go in
Eyes, by all MEANS the younger re-
piled.
The two then entered at the station
door At the desk sat the sergeant. A
number of reporters were seated about
the ROOM chatting or reading papers.
On seeing the two strangers they eX-
amined them critically and took them
for two men who had been robbed and
were about to make a complaint The
reporters were surprised, therefore,
when they heard the following CONVEX
sation:
How do you do, sir said the elder
you do not often get call from those
you have had here, do you?"
mo, sir" replied the sergeant" sur
prised at the greeting. "As rule
those we have had here are only too
glad to get away and stay away
They do not know what good turn
you are doing them when you arrest
them and take them away fIom their
evil conditions and surroundings
You bet they don't responded the
sergeant, still wondering who these
men were, and why they INDUCED in
such philosophic remarks Philosophy
is something rarely INDUCED in about a
police station, yet for the philosopher
and student of human nature there is
much of interest. The present Incl
dent, it seemed to the interested OBJ
servers, would prompt reflection.
They regard you as enemies and
take all your efforts to aid them as
directed against them malfeiously,"
still continued the elder Of the pair.
Revisit Their Cell.
Because we make it a business, I
guess" exclaimed the sergeant. Most
of those we have to deal with look
upon the police as a bad child does
upon his schoolmaster, or as a rat does
upon a cat" The reflective remarks of
the men had inspired similar mood
in the sergeant.
well, here are two who have come
to express the thanks which, through
chance, they owe to the police" said
the elder.
You don't mean" said the sergeant,
with an incredulous smile, that you
have been pinched."
That's just it," said the younger Of
the pair, who spoke for the first time
since he entered the station.
Yes, SIR replied the elder, turning
towards his companion and the two
exchanged smiles
Ten years ago today, sir But it
seems an age to me-" added the elder
refiectively.
Would you mind letting us go up
stairs to take look at the cells?" ask
ed the younger.
who was impressed with the novelty Of
the situation, come right along
The two men, side by side mounted
the steps leading to the lookup, the
sergeant following close behind them.
Arrived at the cell chamber they en-
tered and went directly to Cell No. 6.
This is the CELL" said the younger
who seemed to recollect the place,
Yes" replied the elder.
"A sleepless night it was. Ha. hal"
Turning Point in Their Lives.
ITO me the experience was strange.
and SO impressive that have not vet
forgotten it, said the elder to the ser
geant, who stood beside the pair in
DeWllderment. The explanation, how
ever, only served to increase his won
der. What could these men be refer
ring to? They had evidently been
locked up ten years ago. They had
probably been locked in the same cell,
owing to the overcrowded condition of
the lookup.
The sergeant continued to speculate
as the two men, wrapt in meditation.
stood silently beside the grating of
Cell No. 6. The experience had prob
ably, II seemed to the sergeant. been
turning point in the lives of these
two men. They had now, evidently.
come back to have look at the place
to remind themselves of the past. The
sergeant continued to ruminate till the
elder, having satisfied himself. turned
and started towards the door,
The others followed. They silently
turned from the cell chamber; both
men, however, glancing backwards for
last look. They then returned down
stairs and, after exchanging a few
words with the sergeant who resumed
his seat al the desk, left the station.
The singular occurrence impressed
the reporters present, and they in
quired of the sergeant what the two
men wanted.
You've got me- returned the SER
geanr. They just went up and took
look at No. and they went out"
Later the sergeant informed a repre-
sentative of The Globe that the
tWO man WprQ ctOppi,7cr o,,o ~. :