drowned. Detectives Cross and O'Shaughnessy were passing through town, but going south--so missed elephant. Whole region for many miles around in terror--people flying from their homes. Wherever they turn they meet elephant, and many are killed. BRANT, Detective. I could have shed tears, this havoc so distressed me. But the inspector only said: “You see--we are closing in on him. He feels our presence; he has turned eastward again.” Yet further troublous news was in store for us. The telegraph brought this: HOGANSPORT, 12.19. Just arrived. Elephant passed through half an hour ago, creating wildest fright and excitement. Elephant raged around streets; two plumbers going by, killed one--other escaped. Regret general. O'FLAHERTY, Detective."Now he is right in the midst of my men," said the inspector. "Nothing can save him." A succession of telegrams came from detectives who were scattered through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and who were following clues consisting of ravaged barns, factories, and Sunday-school libraries, with high hopes-hopes amounting to certainties, indeed. The inspector said: "I wish I could communicate with them and order them north, but that is impossible. A detective only visits a telegraph office to send his report; then he is off again, and you don't know where to put your hand on him." Now came this despatch: BRIDGEPORT, CT., 12.15. Barnum offers rate of $4,000 a year for exclusive privilege of using elephant as traveling advertising medium from now till detectives find him. Wants to paste circus-posters on him. Desires immediate answer. BOGGS, Detective. "That is perfectly absurd!" I exclaimed. "Of course it is," said the inspector. "Evidently Mr. Barnum, who thinks he is so sharp, does not know me--but I know him." Then he dictated this answer to the despatch: Mr. Barnum's offer declined. Make it $7,000 or nothing. Chief BLUNT. "There. We shall not have to wait long for an answer. Mr. Barnum is not at home; he is in the telegraph office--it is his way when he has business on hand. Inside of three--" Done.--P. T. BARNUM. So interrupted the clicking telegraphic instrument. Before I could make a comment upon this extraordinary episode, the following despatch carried my thoughts into another and very distressing channel: BOLIVIA, N. Y., 12.50.
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