THE POLICEMAN'S MISTAKE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue V, 3 August 1895, Page 152

THE POLICEMAN'S MISTAKE.

One afternoon bnt a short time ago two prominent police officers stepped from the door of the police station, and, after remarking on the quietude of the street, started for the courthouse. They were strolline along and chatting, as the afternoon was one of those earlv summer days when one feels he must get all the good possible out of the bright sunshine. One of the officers was remarking on the stagnation in police business, and had just called attention to the fact that there bad been no murder committed for several months, when crack sounded the report of what seemed to be a pistol. Both men tnrned quickly, but not seeing anyone but a lone bicycler leaning over his wheel, both gasped at the same time :

* What was that ?’ * It was a pistol shot,’ said one, as he started on a run for an alley a hundred yards away. *lt wasn’t in that direction,’ called the other ; *it was this way,’ and he started on a run east and up a side street. It was but a short time until both officers appeared again at the station bouse, out of breath and without prisoners. For a moment they considered what was best to do, when they again spied the wheelman still examining his bicycle. He was the only person in sight, and to him they went for information.

* Did you hear that pistol shot a few minutes ago ?’ asked one of the officers.

*No ; I didn’t bear no pistol shot,’ answered the boy, who seemed worried about something. * Come now, you heard that loud report. Now what do you Know about it ?’ said the officer with some severity, for he thought the boy knew more thin he cared to tell. * Oh. Is that loud noise what you thought was a pistol shot ? Why, that was this here blamed bicycle tire busted,’ but the officers were gone, and the boy was left to enjoy his discomfort alone.