The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-07-21
THE BURGLARS ENTRAPPED

detective, ana ne ana nau Known eaCn
other from boyhood. We talked over oul
school days as we sat on the seat together
we discussed the crops; we argued the
moral social, intellectual and political
questions of the day we speculated on
the weather; we brought forth every sub
ject we could think of until, at last, there
came lull in the conversation. Then
said, as a sudden thought struck me.
johnson, don't you ever have any ex-
citing adventures in your line Of business
Tell us ry-of your experience will
you?'
My friend laughed, and, fixing his keen
gray eyes upon my face, answered, mus
ingly:
"Exciting adventures? Hum yes-I
suppose they would be called 80. There are
good many occurrences that might re-
late, but I don't generally care to speak of
them however, as it is you, Reade, will
tell you of a curious capture that made
few weeks ago-on one condition"
"Name it."
"That if ! break off suddenly in the mid
die of my story you will not be displeas-
ed"
knew he had some good reason for his
proviso, so l said
"Certainly not. accept the condi-
tion."
"Last spring." he began, 81 had occa-
sion to track noted burglar from our city
to Chicago, and back, but didn't catch
him after all. almost had the clutches
of the law upon him several times, but l
think he must have got wind that he was
pursued, for he did number of shrewd
things, and assumed a number Of strange
DISCUSSES, which baffled my every attempt.
Still l determined he should not elude me
by any mere subterfuge, and, though many
times thrown off the trail, entered B
few hours after the fellow himself. l
don't think he suspected he could be fol
lowed so closely, for he grew careless and
soon 1 knew his whereabouts. knew the
man personally. We were long acquainted
before discovered his character, for he
was person of education, and in his de-
pertinent perfect gentleman. A man
whom you never would suspect to be
guilty of the crime which had disgraced his
career
"Well, as said, found out where he
was, and about nine o'clock one moonlight
night, detective Davis and myself, disguised
went in search of him. 1t was at house
in the worst quarter of the city that we ex.
pected to find him, but he was not there.
We made a search, but our eel had once
more slipped through our fingers. Foiled
again, we turned our steps homewald. We
parted at the corner, and I was proceeding
up through the business streets alone, when
passing the door of flashy saloon, was
surprised to hear the sound of familiar
voice. 1t was my man earnestly engaged in
conversation with another fellow of the
same class. 1t was not discreet to take him
just there, SO, trusting to my disguise,
entered the place. There was a crowd
around the bar, eating and drinking. They
stopped their loud talking and laughing for
a moment to gaze at me as / entered, and
Immediately resumed their hilarity. By
and by the two came in from the doorway,
Went into one of the curtained recesses and
ordered oysters. Their earnest conversation
had the effect of rousing my curiosity, anc
here was the opportunity to learn what
mischief was brewing. bought some little
things, doughnut or two, and left the
saloon. Between this building and the
next there was passage-way about foul
feet wide. Into this went and reached the
window of the stall where the burglar
were. 1t was warm evening in the las
of May, and the window was open.
crouched down and listened, and recogniz
ed the deep bass voice of my criminal in {
moment
"What learned that night surprised
and astounded me, and l don't need to tel
you all, TO tell you what has a bearing OF
this case. They we're indeed plotting mis-
chief. However, / discovered, among
other things, that they were going to Nov;
Scotia and Canada to join gang Of thieves
that my gentleman was the leading spirit
and that wealthy city in Northern Mas
sachusetts was also to be scene Of theil
depredations where the whole gang woulC
appear. learned the whole plan, the
whole method Of procedure, before l lef
the spot. This question then presented
itself to me. Would it not be better t.
let this fellow alone for the present, and
by so doing, capture the whole band9
thought it would, and, notwithstanding
the large amount offered for his arrest,