Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1876-10-21

THE STORY OF A BANK ROBBERY
THAT DIDN'T COME BY TELE
GRAPH
[Micago Tribune.

A few days ago about DUSK a
stranger called at the residence of
2 bank cashier in st. Louis, and in
Producing himself said he desired
some private conversation on bus
mess Of Importance. The cashier
thereupon led him TO private
room, gave orders that they were
not to be disturbed seated himself,
folded his ears. and desired his
mysterious acquaintance to COM
municate the object of his visit
The man coughed once or twice,
then said:
"Being the cashier Of this here
financial institution, of course you
keep the key of the safe ?''
The cashier said he did.
"And you know about the bank
robbers that go round and tie and
gag cashiers and their families,
and with pistols at their heads
compel them to give up the bank
keys?"
The cashier said he did.
"And you've heard about the
Davenport Brothers and the Spir-
itualists and things?'
The cashier said h. had.
"Now," said the stranger, five
been studying up the whole bust
ness, and have found out how to
overcome them"
"You don't say so /"
Eyes, sir, For $5 l will impart
to YOU a secret which may at some
future time save your life and the
funds Entrusted to your care. /
will show you how to unite any
series of knots, however complicat-
ed; t. remove gag from your
mouth. aud.in fact, to set yourself
free. l can release myselfin 2:143,
and with weeks practice I'll bet
that you can show better than
three minutes. You see the adj
vantage of my system? There is
no need to resist and get shot; all
you have to do is to let them tie
you up, and, as soon as they've
taken the key and gone, why you
just le, yourself loose and give the
alarm"
The cashier said it was re-
markable invention.
"You bet it is said the inven-
tor, land as l never take any mon
ey for it till my customers are sat-
isfied of my honesty in dealing
with them, I'll tell you what I'll
do. Just let me gag and bind you,
ard then I'll give you simple di-
rection. what to do, and if you
don't unloose yourself in five min
utes and express your entire salts
faction with the process, I'll give
you $40. If you find that l am a
man of my word, you'll pay me
S."
The cashier said that there could
be nothing fairer.
Another thing" continued the
visitor; j am poor man, and
this secret is my only trade, so I'll
ask you not to teach any one else
how to do it, for that would spoil
my business
The cashier consented to the ar
rangement.
Take this $40 BILL" said the
other. "If | fail. you keep it if
you are satisfied, you will return il
to lie with another So. Aud now
this is how we do it," So saying
he took roll Of cord and a gag
from his pockets, and with great
dexterity tied that cashier hand
and foot,and gagged him so that he
could not wink:
Now you are tied pretty firmly
amt you? You wouldn't think you
pnuId ever oct Loose wOuld Won ~,
The cashier looked the replies
he could not speak.
81 don't think you could my
SELF" said the inventor; land now
let me tell you my name is Jesse
H James, The notorious train rob
Der, and if you don't fork over
that key in three seconds I'll cut
your throat from ear to ear. i
beg you pardon; you can't but III
take it myself. It's no trouble
and, turning that cashier over on
his back like turtle, he took the
key. ~ won't take your pocket.
book" he said. "for the so is
yours" as | DON'T think you will
be able to get loose in five minutes
or five hours either. So long, son.
ny" and, with courteous bow, he
quilted the apartment, and pro.
ceeded to The bank which he rifled
as completely and leisurely as if he
had been one of the directors. The
sad event has cast a gloom over
the community.
Gone Mad i'm Love.