The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-06-14

For long time l had been on the
track of gang of coiners, which in my
professional pride | had vowed to cap
ture. More than once | had pounced
down upon them in their haunts; but all
vanished like magic, and being unable to
produce proofs, the chief, whom | desired
to convict, fairly laughed at me and my
efforts.
This naturally gave me considerable
annoyance, and with some heat l ejacu-
lated: "You have escaped me this time,
Jim Bradley, but I'm not John Spindler
if you do the next"
"When you catch me, hold me-" he
grinned. "How dare you malign an in
nocent mani"
Well, it was nearly nine months before
l again ran down Jim and his gang; then
l detected them in low, wretched street.
The house they used was kept by an old
Irish woman.
Having watched the house until | was
cure of my game, went to Scotland
Yard, saw the chief, reported my news,
got some men, and on dark, gusty win
ter's night made a swoop upon them.
Leaving the police had brought at a
little distance, | knocked at the door,
Getting no answer, stepped back and
looked up at the house.
1t was dark as pitch, save faint glim-
mer in the first floor windows. As re-
turned | felt certain | saw the blind of
the lower room move. Trusting, if was
being inspected, that the darkness had
concealed my identity, repeated my sum-
mons, when, after long delay, the door
was opened by the old landlady, bearing
a flaming tallow candle.
''Did We knock afore9" she said, peer
ing feebly at me. "Sure, I'm just as deaf
as post, yer honor, and don't hear a
bit. Who do you want9"
zone of your respectable dodgers, Mrs.
O'Brien," answered, entering the pas
sage and putting my foot SO as to prevent
the door closing. Thanks, old lady;
won't trouble you further"
Giving preconcerted whistle, my men
came rapidly forward.
sOh, the perleese oh, holy st. Patrick !!
have mercy upon lone wilder woman |!
Oh, good jintlemen, what's the matter,
surea' shrieked the bag.
Paying no heed to these CALCULATIONS, l
placed one policeman on guard and with
the others sprang up the stairs.
Reaching the landing found all dark,
save faint glimmer which issued from
under the door in front of US. l tried the
handle. 1t was locked.
1--WE have him this time p whispered,
exultingly, for had caught the sound of
Jim Bradley's voice. Il have examined
IL &c
egress either by the roof or the windows.
They are trapped Open in the queens
name.' exclaimed aloud.
'Hollo, is that vou,my dear Spindler2"
cried Jim from within. "Happy to see
you, I'm sure. Remember what | said:
Hold me when you catch me, old boy
The thing is to trap your birdr'
81 will take care of that, Mr.. JIM" l
rejoined. "Open or we will break in the
door!''
"Oh, PLACE, iintlemen-dea good jim
tlemen, for the love of the saints don't
make a noise. There's a poor soul
poor young widdy's almost distracted
Sorra one of ye jintlemen hev any pity.
Don't terrify the colleen, nor the partin'
soul, who, sure, has troubles enough"
s.Silence, you old croner' l exclaimed,
"and fetch light, or I'll have you ar
rested as an accomplice."
With regular howl of disappointment
she hobbled away, declaring she'd do
anything for US, imploring pity for a
poor, lone woman, and compassion for
the partin' soul up stairs.
We didn't wait for her return. Aware
no one could pass us on the stairs, and
believing linn might be trying to destroy
the moulds, we put our shoulders against
tie door and drove the lock from the box.
had prepared for the light to be extin-
guished and rush made.
l was disappointed. Jim sat COM
posedly at the table, with another man,
playing cards.
"Hollo! you don't stand on ceremony,
John, my friend" he remarked, laugh
ing;;" thought every mans house was his
CASTLE"
$50 il is, Jim, until he makes it shield
for law breaking l answered.
ssProve your words, my man."
IL intend to, hope; 50 you will con-
slider yourself my prisoner, while /
search
ssPlease yourself and take the conse-
quences,v he replied, and carelessly went
on with bis game.