Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1883-07-26
bond as ever walked. He was cele-

UuAu as oNer Wdik6u. he was cele-
brated for boxing and wrestling, and
was known to carry a dagger-knife
with him, which he swore he would
use on any policeman who attempted to
arrest him. The fellow could run like
stag, so If raised an alarm he would
have been off like shot. If L at
tempted to arrest him he would kill me
for q certainty, for was no match for
him-no, nor three such as me. How
he managed to get Balmer's coat on
was mystery to me-it must have
been because Balmer is very fat.
I scarcely knew what to do, but /
was not going to losemy man, so going
up to him said:
"Hullo, Arthur, what are you doing
up here2"
He started, for he knew my voice in
an instant, and then said, in the regu-
lar thieves whine:
"Hello, Mr.. Foxi I think 1 should
ask you what are you doing up here,
and in that disguise, too?"
"There has been burglary at the
Ferns down there-Major Crawford's
house-and I'm on about it."
You don't suspect me ?" he
growled, as he stepped back pace or
two. "S'help me, have been miles
away"
Yes, yes; l know that. This has
been done by country hands in collu-
sion with one of the maids. I fancy 1
have clew to the matter. But do you
know that you are wanted, Arthur"
"Mel What precious put-up have
you policemen made now? S'help me,
poor fellow can't work honestly for
the perlice. But I won't be taken for
nothing, so 1 tell you, Charlie Fox.
I'd sooner be hanged for murder than
quodded. So look out, Charliep
As he spoke I saw the CLEAN of
knife in his hand, and I did not feel
comfortable.
"Don't be fool, Arthur I said;
g I am not in the case. The put-up, as
you call it, this time is for bigamy."
"Bigamyr" he shouted, with roar
of laughter, as he shut his knife,
much to ny relief. "Why, I never
was ma ed in my life. You know
that, Mr.. Foxp"
a Well, so 1 said when I heard the
cIiarge, but the women swore to it,
and each have their certificates"
Women Ha, ha, ha, hal And
who are these blessed beauties?"
"Sal Boyd-the Irish girl-and
Mary Crew. I happened to call in at
the police-station as was coming out,
and there they were at it, hammer and
tohgs. l bet they are both there now.
If you take my advice. you will go at
once and face the matter. I'll go with
you, and bear witness that to the best
of my knowledge and belief you are
not married, and also as to the char
acters of the girls"
characters of the girls |" he NUT
tered, in virtuous indignation. "They
amt got none. But Pm on, sergeant.
I'll give it TO 'em. Married Ha, ha,
hal Well, that is cheek. Come on
sergeant, shan't rest till have faced
the impudent hussies. And two such
wives. Ho, no, no, ho"
Thus laughing and enjoying the
joke he strobe on, having almost to
run to keep pace with him. We
reached the station, where was glad
to see number of constables, to whom
L gave the Office; and then L placed
him in the dock, and there he stood
smiling impudently at the inspector.
"What is the charger" demanded
the inspector, for he did not like such
familiarity.
"Stealing a coat from the back
kitchen of the Jolly Farmers, sir"
Scarcely had I finished my speech
than Arthur, uttering yell Of rage,
attempted to leap the rail and get at
me; but the policemen were on to
him, and he was soon handcuffed and
his boots taken off. Then such tor
rent of abuse followed as I never heard
in my life before. OF course the evil
dence convicted him. Harry swore
to the coat, which was rather damaged
in the tussle, and there was the piece
of cotton on the button. So, through
my means, the strongest thief I have
ever known was caught by a thread.