Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-07-10
A Curious Story,

A writer in the Philadelphia Sunday Dis
patch, gives the following, a. one of the ex-
Periences of an editor of a daily paper in that
city =
There were 50 many persons who visited
the editor with a design TO discuss. in rather a
summary manner, the subject Of their griev-
ances, that these little embellishments (pistols)
seemed somewhat indispensable. /, does not
appear, however, that they were ever called
into active use, a sight of them usually an
swering very pacihca.orv purpose. One day
when they were out of sight, a tall, stout. ath-
letic person entered the editorial room very
quietly, and seeing the person whom he espec-
tally wanted, he carefully closed the door,
locked it, and deposited the key in his pocket.
The editor, who was engaged in writing,
looked up, eyed these notes of preparation
with some anxiety, and placing his hand in
his bosom, awaited the result. The visitor,
after assuring himself that there were no caves
droppers, took seat opposite the editor, and
for moment they gazed calmly and silently at
each other. The one, as we said, was tall,
round, well bull, ahd solid figure of mankind.
The other was short, slim, apparently active
and strong, and evidently disposed TO take
some prompt measures of defence, if suddenly
called upon. The visitor very quietly said,-
We are alone, think . s -'-
The editor merely nodded assent
You are unarmed, see =
To this there was no reply, but 4 sort Of
sneer crossed the face of the gentleman Of the
quill.
No matter. sir. am twice your size
I've reason to wish your death. The key Of
your door is in my pocket. There is no one
within call, for looked in every room as l
came up ...
The editor still said nothing, but kept his
eyes fixed upon his visitor.
Il am desperate man, Ind accustomed to
scenes Of violence. Now, sir, what is there
he said this rising, TO prevent my crushing
you here beneath my feet, a, once, and putting
an end 20 one Of my worst enemies.'
The editor quietly drew a pistol from his
pocket and cocked it-but without removing
his eyes frnm the face of his visitor.
Very good. see you are provided. 1t
looks like useful article, too. But put i, up.
| didu'f come here to murder you, or l nigh,
have done it when l first entered And he
reseated himself.
May l politely inquire your name and pur-
pose, now that we appear TO have 4 better
derstanding!' said the editor.
My name is Wood. am professed theft
Sir = said the editor, springing to his feet.
DON'T be So inpatient quietly added the
visitor. i did not come here to rub you
And even if it were in my way looking care
fully around, there is not much here that
would repay the risk.
All well-go on, Mr.. Wood
i am thief, sir!'
That's candid enoagh, at any rate, Mr..
Wood
1 understand your sneer, sir. But l am
neither pickpocket nor a highway robber.-
am burglar, sir, by profession, and well
known to most of the police
Don't you think, sir, that could as conve-
niently listen to your confessions with the key
in the doorl'
You mistake me again, SIR said the visi-
tor. 4 had no intention TO carry off your key.
But have something to say TO which l am
determined you shall listen and you II excuse
me if seem rather impatient, and singular in
my way of doing the business, for l don't
choose TO be interrupted
Go on, Mr.. Wood said the editor. And
he threw himself back in his chair, half closed
his eyes, and through the other half watched
all the motions OF his company.
MY name is Wood. l am celebrated as a
burglar. The police know it. But we have
a mutual interest in supporting each other. If
there were no burglars, society would need no
police. If there were no police, burglars
would be too abundant. All would becune
burglars, and the business would be unprofita-
ble.'
| Curious philosophy ...,..- -,.... y
'Good as any other, sir, besides being prac-
tical and founded upon acknowledged social
facts instead Of intellectual theories
.Well, well--go on -uol i
Il robbed Mr.. IS store in M street,
the other night. You must have heard Of it.
Seventeen thousand dollas' worth of goods
missing in three hours na,,er myself that
was neat job--creditable even to my handi-
work
The editor started. -.. .....
'Oh, it's all right, sir. The police know
it very well. But they have not the proof -
They put therefore, one half the reward offered
in one private spot, and in another, the next
day they find all the missing goods. This,
you II perceive, is a fair business transaction
! And rs the law must have victim, a green
horn, whom took into the speculation with
me to watch the door, gets nabbed BY the po-
lice, and CUES 10 the penitentiary, 70 keep out
Of farther bad associations rli f-aisi
is it possble,' unused the editor.
! But did not come here to boast. And
now, after this preface, which you will find as
necessary, to enable you fully to comprehend
my position, sir, let me explain the purpose Of
my visit. l have family-a wife and three
daughters. They are respectable as the world
calls it. They eat well. drink well, dress
well and were happy, until you. sir, interfered
with their felicity and tried 70 render them
miserable