The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-29

he said he was guilty |, of course re- alize Mir Hollands disappointment in finding thta Erfert was the guilty person, but I cannot help his feelings. l have simply done what was my duty in the matter and now it remains with MT. Bolland as to what shall be done with Erfert''
 Where is Erfert?" MT. Bolland asked
 He is in there waiting to see you" l answered pointing to the door of my private office. "He has promised me that he will tell you what he has already told my assistant and myself, and that he will at once return as much as possible of the stolen property to you, which l have advised him to do."
 l then ushered them into the private room in which Erfert was. The young fellow repeated to them the statement of guilt that he had already made to me Then, with some assistants, l went in a hack to the house of Erfert's mother. where we found about two hack loads of stolen goods, consisting of clocks, silver plate. fine umbrellas and various articles of bric-a-brac all valuable stuff
 These goods were taken direct to the store of Mir Bolland. Our party then visited the store of the grandfather in South Saint Louis, and recovered about four hack loads of goods from that place By the time the last load had been hauled away it was nearly daylight
 While this loot was being removed 1 was standing outside guarding the hack in which the goods were being placed A police officer came along. We knew each other, and he was somewhat surprised to see me at that time of night in that locality, and asked me, in a friendly manner, what I was doing there. I re- piled that some stuff had been stolen from jewelry store, and that it had been taken to the house, I added that l had thought 1t advisable to remove the goods after night so as not to attract the attention of the neighborhood, as l felt sure that the women of the family were not aware that the property which lad been placed in their house was stolen.
 The policeman later reported that he had met me and detailed this conversa- ton to his captain. The report of course, reached the chief of police the following morning. The chief, becoming exas- perated, suspended the policeman for not having arrested both the hack driver and myself. He also suspended one or two of the officers connected with the station who were duty that night.
 The next morning a city detective called at my office
 'I have been sent down here by the chief to see you he said. "'rhe chief
 
 fellow named Erfert last night and that you recovered a lot of stolen property Is that report true?"
 Part of the report seems to be true. while the remainder is not true" I an- swered. You know, and the chief should know, that I have no legal right to make arrests, and therefore I have made no arrests, nor have I caused any to Se made within the city of St. Louis, but 1 did recover a large quantity of stolen goods last night and early this morning, and I have delivered them to their owner"
 Where is Erfert now?" asked the de- tectve.
 q don't know where he is at present. Why do you want to know this?''
 Because the chief instructed me to come down here and get him, and bring him to headquarters at once," replied tnc man.
 Have you any charges against him at headquarters I inquired.
 'T don't know. All I know is that the chief sent me down here to get him and bring him to headquarters
 q do not know whether there will be any charges preferred against Erfert or not" I said. His employer seems in- clined to sympathize with him, and es- pecialy with his family. T do not be- lieve that he cares to have him prose- to call at my office sometime during the forenoon. and I am looking for MT. Bolland here at any moment. When Tr- fert comes I will tell him that the thief wants to see him."
 No, you need not do that" answered the detective ''I will wait here, and