The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-03-15

more frequent. SS
a<<- HD RoBBERIEs," continued
~ the storytelling machine, I'm
ally grew SO frequent that tho
s'1sa citizens felt that tfey5wer COM
nailed to take some measure to protect
themselves There was the semblance OF
n guard, and there were four Watchmen
at the four gates Of the city but the;
watchmen, MS we'll as the members OF the
guard, would have resigned their places
before they would have regarded any Of
their fellow citizens with suspicion. ~ ~
suspected so that the guilty might pc
brought to Justice; and So, after awhile,
n began to dawn on tho mind OF Jonn
The Simpleton that he was suspected to
be the guilty party. He had avery shreWd
idea Of the origin Of these suspicious
for he knew that the Mayor had never.
forgiven him for setting the example 70
the mob on the day when that function
arv was bewailing his losses In the public
streets.
"Now, though John the simpleton knew
of these suspicious, and knew where they
came from, he seemed to pay little at
tention to them; in fact he appeared to
care as little what was said about MN.
self as he cared what was said ABOUT
his neighbors. At the same time he made
IN his mind to discover the thief, II such
n thing were possible Other people might
suspect him, but he had his own sus-
picons He had a scheme, which, ny the
aid Of his uncle, who had just returned
home from tho wars, he promptly car
red out.
1T was a very bold scheme, but It
was no holder than the uncle; and as
for John the Simpleton, 1t was well known
by those who had tried his temper that
no was not lacking In courage. Onathe
snjrht Of the day that the uncle re-
turned from the wars, where he had been
enga getL in fighting the Spaniards, very
distinguished company was gathereo ~
the public room of the largest Inn IN
the CITY. for 1t was here that the cher
d,cnttaries Of the town. as well as the
nromlnent citizens were In the habit or
meeting, They met here because the Inn
was n roonly one, and after the afalrs
Of the city were discussed they could
ioin In the friendly social intercourse that
was one Of the chief characteristics OF
the inhabitants. Here they could SIP their
beer. smoke their pipes and, at their
Sla,u,re hear the latest news from abroad
as from time to time 1t was brought IN
by travellers.
1T was into this company that John
the Simpleton elbowed his way after
he had finished his evening meal. me
disguise that he had assumed was COM
plete. He had placed on his face a MERGE
beard and mustachio. anil had buckled
him round with a belt from which long
raper hung. Thus equipped he had no
difficulty In mtmicklng the careless sWag-
ger of soldier. He was tall and thin,
but he was also strong, and ne hustied
the company about with scant ceremony,
as became a rough inhabitant OF the
| camps.
Assuming free and an easy address.
Fall into COnVerSa-
| ton with those about him, one Of whom
CHANGED to be the worthy Mayor, You
| have a goodly city here a goodly Inn,
| and right jolly landlord. remarked John
| the Simpleton. My own companions would
be here but for the rumors we nave
heard on the way. AS 1t IS, they are
not too comfortably housed some FUR
longs to the south at the River Inn
"I know the place remarked the
Mayor; but pray tell us the nature Of
| the rumors you have heard on the road.
why, nothing less than this goodly
| CITY Ia infested with band or thieVes
who ply their trade not only IN the dark
hours Of night, but IN the Droao neht
OF day
"'But surely, my good Captain. your
trooners. who have doubtless seen service
In the war with the Spaniard are not
afraid OF a gang OF thieves and prowl-
| ers.'
"The Captain stroked his fierce mus
! tachio and laughed. Good, SIR he said.
| 1T was as much as could do to persuade
| my men to remain peacefully where they
| are. They were keen to visit this place
| and see for themselves city which de-
serves to be raided and looted by hon
est soldiers because of the willingness
with which the inhabitants submit to the
daily and nightly robbcries that are said
to take place. My Lieutenant Of the Red
| xuh T loft him nd
to prevent him from stirring up spirit
of insubordination among my men gave
him permission to follow me here within
an hour.
"But, my fine Captain, how are we
to help ourselves? In what way are we
to catch the thief who Is marrying our
citizens? Since we have never been pes
tered in this way hitherto we are not OK
port at taking thieves. We have our sus-
picions, but we have no proof. Perhaps
you will aid us with your advice
"I can give you only my opinion,
replied tho Captain. and that Is that the
thief can be caught without serious trou-
BILE. l have been In your city but a short
while, but l think 1t would be an easy
matter for me to lay my hand on the
thief within the next hour
'rhe only reply that was made to this
remark, which seemed to be In the nature
OF boast came from corner where
an honest and an unpretentious burgher
was enjoying his beer TRY him. your
honor said the burgher to the Mayor.
Put him to the test; offer reward for
the rogue. and then perhaps this honor
able Captain will think 1t worth his while
to discover and arrest the villain
"'Not So. said the Captain, knitting
his heavy brows together. Since the wars
nre over my men and myself have found
profitable employment In conveying treas
IRE from one city to another We have
now in charge number Of bags OF bull
lion to be delivered in Brachen-on-the-Ve
we have M time to turn aside to hail
petty thief who contents himself with
treasures of small value
1T is plain, remarked the Mayor with
considerable animation, that you are not
acquainted with our thief. IIc has az
keen an eye for what Is valuable as any
man In the Kingdom.
"Ihere was a pause here. and the Mayor
sat with his hand on his fat chin as II
reflectng, Presently he turned to the
Captain, saying. What security do you
give when YOU undertake to convey treas
q ure from city to city7'
III 'a,lrirsr examine the treasure. ant
then, according to Its value, leave one q