Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-07-24
A Curious Story.

There were SO many persons WHIT visited
the editors with design todiscuss in rather
a summary manner the subject Of their
grievances, that these little embellishments
tpistols1 seemed somewhat Indispensable.
IL docs not appear, however. that they
We're called into actlve use. a sight Of them
usually answering very paciicatory pur-
pose. One day, when they were out of
sight, tall. stout, athletic person entered
the editorial room very quietly and pcr.
ceiving the gentleman present whom hu
especially wanted, he carefully closed tho u.
door, locked it, and ,lcposi,cd the key in
his pocket. Tho cdito who was engaged
in writing, looked up, eyed these notes Of 3
preparation with somc anxiety, and placing
his hand in bis coat bosom awaited the re-
suit. The visitor after assuring himself
that there was no eoves-droppers, took a
scat opposite the editor, and for moment
they gazed silently and calmly at each 9TH
er. The one, as We said was a tall, round.
well-built and solid figure Of mankind
The other was short, slim, apparently ac-
tive and strong, aud evidently disposed to
take some prompt measures of defence, if
Suddenly called upon. Tho visitor very
quietly said
ave are alone. | thinkl"
The editor merely NODDED assent
| "l on are unarmed | scel'
| Io this there was no reply, but n sort Of
snecr crossed the face Of the gcntlchan Of
the quill.
"No matter, sir. am twice your sizo.
I've reason to wish your death.
| .lfTb., ,,f, =
There is no one within call. for looked in
every room as came up"
1 he editor said nothing, but kept his eyes
fixed upon bis visitor.
u am desperate man, and accustomed
TO scenes Of violence. Now. sir, what is
ihere"-he said this rsing-"to prevent my
crushing you, here bcnoathmy feet, at once,
and putting amend to one Of my worst enc
miesl"
The editor quietly drew pistol from
his pockc, and cooked it--but without re-
moving his eyes from the face of his visi-
tor.
Every good. ! see you arc provided.
1t looks like useful article too. But pus
itup. i didn't come here to murder you,
or might have done it when first enter.
cd" And he rcscotcd himself
-"May | politely inuuirc your nnmc nn,l
n,,rnosc nnw ~, u, a,,,.ar "a has.
better understanding said the editor.
"My nome is Wood. am proiesscd
thief"
"Sr!" said the editor, springing 10 his
feet.
Don't be so inpatient" quietly added
the visitor. And even if it were Ia my
way looking carefully around, there Is
not much here that would repay the risk"
"Ah! well-go on, Mr.. Wood"
81 am thief, srl'
"Thai's candid enough at any rate, Mr..
Wood"
II understand you, sir But am ncii.
ther pickpockct nor highway robber.
I am burglar, sir, by profession, and well
known TO most Of the police"
"Don't you think, sir, that could as
conveniently listen TO your confessions with
the key in the doorl"
lyon mistake me again, SIR" said tho
visitor. Il bad no intention to carry off
your key. Bot have something 10 say,
to which am determined you shall listen;
and you'll excuse me II | seem rather ilnpa.
tient, and singular in my way Of doing the
business for don't choose to be interrupt.
cd"
go on, Mr.. Wood" said the editor
And he threw himself back in bis chair,
half closed his eyes, and through the other
half watched all the motions Of his compa-
ny.
my name is Wood, I am celebrated AZ
a burglar. The police know It. But We
have mutual interest in supporting each,
other II there were no burglars society
would need no police. IL there were no
police, burglars would be too abundant.---
All would become burglars, and the busi.
ness would be Improbable"
Curious philosophy"
Good as any other, sir, besides being
practical, and founded upon acknowledged
social facislnstcad Of intellectual theories"
"Wcll, weli--go on"
IL robbed Mr.. IS store, in NJ
street, the other night. You must have
heard Of il. Seventeen thousand dollars
worih missing in three hours; ila,tcr my
sell tn4e " was neatJob--credi'able evento
my ~, nandiwork.
ne cditor started,
on' az fight sir Inc ponce know
u ity very well. But they have not the proof.
They pni, therefore, one-half the reward
| offered IN one private spot, and in another.
the next day, they find all the missing
goods This, yo'll perceive, isa fair "busi,
ness Transaction" And as the law must
have victim, grenn horn, whom | took
into the speculation with me 10 watch tho
4 door, gets nnbbed Dv the police and poca
10 the penitrniiary to keep out of furthct
| bad associations.''