The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1865-06-23
How we Trapped the Burglars.
FROM CHAMBERS JOURNAL.

term 2 SUD district or LONDON, tor We were
within five miles of Charing Cross, and
the dark month Of December was upon
Us. Robbeties had been frequent in our
ueighboghood, and no less than three hous-
es out OF the ten in the Terrace had been
entered by burglars and robbed. and yet
no discovery of the thieves had taken
place. So ably, also, had the work of
entry been accomplished, that in no cass
had the inmates been alarmed and it " as
no. until the servants descended in the
morning that the discovery of a robbery
was made.
In two out OF the three cases, an en-
trance had been affected through pantry
window, by removing pane Of lass, and
cutting small hole in the shutter. This
was on the ground floor and could easily
be reached, therefore, from the outside.
In the third robbery, an upper window
vas entered by means of a knife which
forced back the fastening, and Of course
allowed the sash to be raised.
SO rapidly had the robberies occurred,
that the whole neighborbood was alarmed.
The police shook their heads and looked
knowing bu. did nothing, and what was
much lamensec, failed to find any clue to
the robbers, who they at the same time
asserted, were evidently notregular cracks.
men.
Affairs had reached such stage, that
We used to sleep with a revolver close to
our bedside, when we happened to have a
friend who came to stay with Us a few
days This friend was an old jungle hun,
ter. and was az fat a. every artihce by
which the animal creation might be cap
tured. He was delighted at the idea Ct
having an adventure with burglars, and
scorned the belief that they were more
than match in cunning for even the av-
eraoe bush hunter. II was il vain that
Nc assured him is was an axiom that an
accomplished robber could effect an en-
trance into any house and that instrn-
nlents were used of such nature as 10 cut
holes Ill doors without noise, and, in fact,
that through roofs and sky lights, down
chimneys and up wa:er-spou.s, an accom-
plished burglar could easily enter tie best
defended house in The kingdom.
Our friends argument was, that a bur-
lar was man on watch, who took the adj
vantage Of the residents being asleep and
unsuspecting but" said he, let my
suspicious be raised, and | will defy any
burglar to enter my house without my
having due warning; because, although
may BE- asleep, still, | shall hear his ap-
proscl, and can then make my arrange
ments to welcome him"
Although we were not DESTROYS of hav-
ing our house robbed, yet We wished much
that cur friends confidence should be tax
en- out Of him.
a few days after this conversation, the
police Informed Us that several suspicious
characters had been seen about, and re-
t commended us to be on the alert. Here
then, was a good opportunity to ties: my
friends skill and wakefulness; SO, hayina
} informed him of the poicenan's warning
, | asked him if he felt confident 20 under
. take the defence of the house.
" Certainly" hs replied, 81 only de-
mani dark lantern, and s,puIa.e tha
} you have pair of golo.hes beside youl
? bed. l also mus; go to bed last, aud DC
servant is to 60 down stairs before ne il
the morning; nor is any one to walk
about during the night: then | will def,
} the burglars"
Thus 1t was agreed that ny frienC
should ACT the part of guardian, aut
] was to commence bis charge on the eusu
, ing night
three nights had passed, and no alaru
had occurred, and 10 robberies taket
place, we began to Think our alarm wa
groundless; but our friend said that nov
was the very time to be most guarded, fcl
} that no wise burglar would rob when b.
was expected; besides, he said, we have
, not had windy night yet; it is wher
doors and windows rattle. and the chin
neys rumbIes, that robberies are best effect
ed; not when every strange noise is au
dlbIe; thus, he sad, he did not give u
hopes OF yes having something to say t.
the robbers before his visit terminated.
| usually sleep very lightly, and :here
fore awoke readily upon hearing tap a
my bedroom door during the fourth nigh
OF our watch. 1t was my friends voice
that answered me, and we were requested
J to come out al once
As soon as | strike lucfer match"
! replied.
" Nonsense, man light will spoil Tx
} whole thing. Come in the dark, slip OF
+ dFessng>gown and your goloshes, anc
come at once"
| was soon provided as be wished, anc
ready to descend the stairs in the dark
Now, remember said my friend
there are seven steps to the first landing
twelve Others afterwards, and the fourth
step creaks abominably, SO be careful te
! descend without noise.
The night was boisteroua, and many +
window and door ratified, 80 that the Sigh
noise we made 10 descending the stairs
was not sufficient. TO have alarmed ever
the most Eeen-eared listener. We De
scended to the ground floor, entered tht
pantry, and then standing perfectly still
devoted ourselves to listening.
Ia very few seconds we heard a grating
noise On the shutter than al interval o
quiet, and again a noise: the window
was gently raised, and again all was que,
The noise of heavy vehicle passing the
house seemed to afford an opportunity fol
more decided effort, for while the rattle
Of the wheels was lou lest, a crack SOUNDED
from the shutter, and we could hear thai