The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1854-06-23
Fearful Encounter with a Burglar by a
London JeWeiler.

Mr.. John Richards, rich London jeweller,
had fearful romantic adventure, which is descri-
bed in one oft the papers. While sitting in his
parlor on Sunday night with his wife, be tho't
he saw face at the window. Quick as thought
be put his wife from him and darted across the
room; flung open the easement and gazed into
thr night, but could see nothing.
"What is the matter % asked his wife anxi-
ouSlv.
"Why thought / saw man exclaimed he
Then stepping to the door and opening it he CAL
led and inquired Of his Servant-s'Are the out
er gates cloSedl'
81 secured them myself, at nightfall."
dwell. see that the doors are barred, and
good night"
An hour elapsed, and the servants had retr-
ed TO rest; his wife had sought her chambpr.-
Above the staircase on the second story of the
house powerful alarm-bel! had been erected,
and from it divprged wires that passed down
the walls, and were skilfuily and secretly at
tached to the principal chamber doors, leaving
it in the power Of the occupant Of the room to
set or loose at will the springs connected with
the Wire above the door; but should the door be
accidentally moved or an entry attempted by a
strange hand. the entire machinery was Instant
ly.set in motion, aud the alarm eifectualiy
SPREAD.
Richards went to the door to set the spring;
but before doing SO he opened it, and looked for
raoment through the staircase window, when
a light sharp crack startled him, and he listen
ed.
There was a stealthy footsep on the landing,
Now again all was still. His suspicious were
aroused; be thought of the face at the window,
and BE shutideeed. lie drew a poinard from
his breast--a weapon that be always kept, and
waited, and listened, with his glance fixed up
cd the haSdle of door-and, as he looked, he
distinctly saw it move.
''Who's there?' he demanded in a loud tone,
and grasped the poinard firmly.
The burglar finding the door locked and re-
ssting his efforts, threw his whole weight
heavily against it, and burst violently into the
room. The alarm wire was broken by the shock,
but the bell rung out fearful peal The man
was masked, and in his hand he held horse
pistol, which was leveed at Richards; but the
unexpected hell unnerved his arm, the doubtful
light cheated his aim. and the bullets whizzed
through the han of Richards, while the large
mirror was crashed into atoms.
"Help help!' he exclaimed, as he dashed
away the chair that was before him. The as
saiant saw his failure, and in an instant drew
knife from bis girdle, wlth his left hand, and,
utteIing Spanish oath, rushed upon Richards
with the butt-end of his uplifted pistol. Swift
as thought, the ieweller tarted from the spot
and his assalant, unprepared for the movement,
was carried BY his own force beyond the mark,
and stumbled Like tiger Richards sprung
upon him, and struck him in the back with his
poinard; the keen blade passed through the
lungs into the heart, and the wretched robber fell
heavily upon the earth--a corpse.
In moment the room was filled, and the
frightened wife clung to her husband and thank
ed God for her safety. On examining the body
he was recognized as Spaniard, who had but
short time before sold Mr.. Richards some very
valuable diamonds. He had been driven to des-
ppration at the gaming table. Mr.. Richards
was acquitted of all blame in killing the mons
Tor