Year: 1866

A Story OF Russia.
There once lived in st. Petersburg
an aged man, who, though poor, had
always been noted for strict honor and
integrity, and whose whole course Of
life was as regular az clock-work. Each
morning he left his modest dwelling at
precisely the same hour, passed through
the old clothes market to his bureau,
and after six hours labor was accom-
plished, returned by the self same
route. His garments wereshabby from.
long service, and the covering on lis
cap was worn to shreds. The urgent
solicitations of his daughters finally in
dueed him to replace the latter article
and seeing some of a green color one
day, in 2 shop window, he went in and
inquired the price. The shopmsn, how
ever, refused to sell them, on the plea
that they were already be-spoken, aud
offered 10 show him others of differ
ent hue; but the old man had set his
heart on green.


"Well, then" said the man, ''if you
must absolutely have it, take it, and if
needs must 1 can finish another by to-
morrow to take its place."


The bargain was accordingly conclu-
ded and the next day no small excite
ment was created by the appearance of
the cap, which elected from his col
leagues smiling congratulations upon
his successful purchase.
| Two days afterEard, the heat being
intense in the bureau, he felt in his
pocket for his handkerchief, in order
to wipe the perspiration from his face,
and he drew forth to his great aston
ishment, one of fine India foulard silk.
He showed it to his colleagues, and in
quired if he had not by mistake apprO-
priated another persons property bat
one and all disclaimed all knowledge
of it, and agreed unanimously that it
must be a surprise from one of his
daughters.


"Children," said be, upon his return
to his house, ''who has done this Do
you wish to make me vain in my old
age ?" ~ =;


His daughters also declared their ig-
norsnce of the matter, and, after some
random guesses, finally made up their
minds that it must have been put in
his pocket by their cousin, who spent
the last Sunday with them and the
handkerchief was carefully pus aside
by their father.


On the following day, as he was care
fully spreading his coat-tails, in order
to seat himself at his desk, he felt
something hard in both his pockets,
and putting in his hand brought out
from one a gold watch, and from
the other a well-furuished purse. This
time his reason was overwhelmed; but
after long reflection he formed a sud-
den resolution. He had been more
punctual than the other officials, and
was alone in the room; he therefore de-
ternined TO say nothing to them of his
discovery, and as soon as the Office hours
were over he went directly to the chief
of police and solicited private audi
ence. He then produced the watch
and purse, and related the history of
the handkerchief After the chief had
fully possessed himself of all the par
ticular, he said:


at is very singular: Has nothing Of
the kind ever happened to you be-
fore ?"


"NeVer before last week"


Have you made any change in your
dress within that time ?"


"No."


"Recollect p'


"oh, yes; certainly, bought a new
cap"


Tell me how and where you bought
it."


The old man told him every thing
connected with the purchase, upon
which the chief laughed heartily, and
exclaimed:


Poor, honest man that you are, you
have become member of band of
thieves Do you not perceive The
twenty caps of the same shape and
color were to serve as a mark of recog-
milton and as every pickpocket. seeks
to diVest himself as quickly as possible
of his stolen goods, they have taken
you for an accomplice, and transferred
these articles to your pockets. Wearel
greatly indebted to accident and to you.
Take this money and buy another cap
from one of the principal magazines
then bring this one back Immediately;
for as l hope to have the whole gang in
my power tomorrow, you must not
run the risk of being arrested also"


The old man went into a shop and
purchased another covering for his
head, but as he was about to tie up the
cap in his handkerchief, in order to
take it back to the police office, he
found in the crown. to his no small
a costly piece of lace. He
FASTENED to deliver this fresh booty in
to the hands of the chief, who again
burst into peal of laughter when he
Oeheld the despairing countenance Of
he honest thief.


The necessary measures were imme-
liately taken. Two dozen detectives
we're made acquainted with the form
If the cap and, simultaneously, at
precisely the same hour, every pos ses-
or of the sign was placed in durance
Tile. 5lee sE ' -5r1