The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1883-02-20
and some other facts o. in crest, and
thouoht 7 had secured about all needed

low Just now, who can talk to you all I
night, and he'll give you some almighty ,
big points"
replied that would go to conside-
rable trouble to interview the man. and
asked how the meeting could be brought
about. ~
EASIEST thing ,iu the world. he con
tinued. "Come back here at ten O'Clock
tonight and we'll go with you. Mind,
now, if you go to blow on US to the
detectives, you'll get yourself into a
muss."
l was an innocent ass eighteca gears
old and, though living in the city seve
raj wears, had not sense enough to warn
me that the company Of such men after
night was dangerous. 1t did not strike
me then as it did afterward that the men
were too willing to oblige me In a mat
ter of no interest TO them, and agreed
to return to the saloon at ten o'clock.
I was free of duty after nine O'Clock
that night, there being no meetings, lee
lures, or outside business on the diary
mentioned the fact Of my engagement
to the city editor and he warned me that
had better break it. The men might
have some designs against me. or might
lead me into trouble. He said so. much
that I gave up the idea and slipped nv
revolver from my pocket TO the table
drawer.
Having an hour to while away before
bed time set out for the theater. / was
not four blocks from the office when |
ran against the two convicts. They re
cognized me in q moment aad insisted
that | shout descent into basement
saloon and take glass or cigar. They
snxiously inquired if inteuled to keep
the appointment, and sppesred disap-
pointed when Informed them that other
engagements prevented.
sit WAS only step-onlv two or three
blocks," remarked Dave. "We are both
hard fellows. but W. wouldn't never think
of harming you. We were just doing |,
to oblige."
The two talked so much that forgot
the words of the city editor,apd atlength
resolved to accompany them / pro-
posed to use only an hours time, but
they said this was enou{h not only to
hear "Crack's" story, but to examine his
exit" OF burglar and e.bowing tools
Blessed 70 ol that I " Is, to think that two
burglars would take me to the hiding
place OF another, and give me all their
secrets, knowing that might .blow on
them in halt an hour after! But
thought only OF the item. Already I
could see long column headed: '"Bur-
glars and safe-blowers How they work
startling revelations" etc. land / cared
only for the item.
We went to the saloon where had
met them in the afternoon and Dave
went out and left me talking with his
companion II was almost eleven O'Clock
before he came back, and then after ma
king many excuses, he stated that every
thing was all right and that we should
proceed ar once.
I was inclined to hang hack nov, as
the hour was so late, but had not the
moral courage to back out, and passed
up the street with them. do not know
how far we walked. We passed up one
street, down another, turned here and
there, and | finally got lost. We got
into a quarter of the CITY where had
never been more than to ride through in
carriage. thought it odd that we
should lock for "cracksman" in the
aristocratic quarter Of the city, hut the
men kept plying me with questions in
regard to my profession, and | had no
opportunity to express my doubts or
surprise.
you've got your revolver, of course ?
inquired Dave as We passed along.
mo, left it at the Office" | replied,
but was next moment sorry that had
admitted the fact, as saw Dave give
his companion sly nudge with his ell
bow. New Orleans was not we'll policed
in those days. One seldom saw blue
coat off the business streets either day
or night Had we encountered one now
should surely have left the burglars to
continue on alone, as had become ner-
vous and afraid. But we did not even
meet any pedestrians. The night was
cold and c',iIlv. and at that late hour
most Of the citiz-ns were in bed.
"Here we are! Now walk softly and
keep your mouth shut~ whispered Dave
as we entered an alley.
at was quite dark, but could see
We were passing down between the large
residences, the abodes of wealthy men.
Dave led the way and he presently halt
ed at gate, unlocked it with key, and
in moment we were on the lawn in the
rear OF one of the houses.
"Why, how's this2 This isn't"
"See here, Mister Reporter!' whis,
pered Sam whipping out q long knife
and catching me by the collar. "There's
no use foeling you any longer; you've
got to GO in with us!"
~ won't do i'll I'll shout II you don't
let me go!' replied. -"
"You will. will you p hissed DIVE,
also displaying knife and fastening his
fingers on my arm. IF you want to die
right away just raise one squeal!"
l was so weak that sat down on
stone dog used as lawn ornament. and
while Dave held me there Sam pulled off
my boots He then removed his own,
took off both our hats, and then Dave
continued:
"Sam and you are going into the
house alter swag, and I'm going to
watch. II you make one cry, or hang
back, I'll put this knife into you. II you
60 10 raise an alarm in the house Sam
will kill you, even if he has to swing for
hw
!! 1t was nearly midnight now. / could
hear no sound from either quarter, and
I knew that shout, or half doz,n o
them, would not bring help before the
fellows had killed me. had got to go
! in with Sam or be murdered on the ou:-
side, and I replied that l W ,ud go in. l
had strong hopes that We could not get
in, or that our operations would raise
:, an alarm and scare the burglsrs away
Sam significd that he Vas ready and we
e Ill proceeded to the back steps.
t A veranda ran clear across the rear
. end of the honse, which had basement,
: and while Dave stood at the foot of the
I stairs Sam aud | mounted them. He FIRST
tried the door it was locked, and he in-
Ia.rtpd a uair OF niDparS into the kew.