"
Just at this moment he espied an empty barrel--a barrel
apparently quite new and in an unguarded position. He resolved
to take it, but the affair must be managed slyly.
He lounged up to the barrel, and leaned upon it indolently.
Then, in apparent unconsciousness, he began to turn it, gradually
changing its position. If observed, he could easily deny all
felonious intentions. This he kept up till he got round the
corner, when, glancing around to see if he was observed, he
quickly lifted it on his shoulder and marched off.
All this happened without his being observed by the owner of the
barrel. But a policeman, who chanced to be going his rounds, had
been a witness of Jerry's little game. He remained quiet till
Jerry's intentions became evident, then walked quietly up and put
his hand on his shoulder.
"Put down that barrel!" he said, authoritatively.
Jerry had been indulging in visions of the breakfast he would get
with the twenty-five cents he expected to obtain for the barrel,
and the interruption was not an agreeable one. But he determined
to brazen it out if possible.
"What for will I put it down?" he said.
"Because you have stolen it, that's why.
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