The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-10
A BOLD ROBBERY.
Woman Knocked Down in Her Own House
and Robbed Of a Thousand Dollars.

CHICAGO, July 9.-The most daring and
adrotly executed robbery that has taken place
in Chicago for many years was committed yes
terday afternoon at so Eldridge court the resi-
dence of Thomas Smith, head draughtsman of
the Dearborn foundry. Mr. Smith is in receipt
of a good salary, and, although a lessee of box
in the vaults Of the Union Safety
and Deposit Company, it has been his
practice for some time past to intrust
a large portion of his earnings with his wife.
Mrs. Smith is a stout lady about twenty six
years old. When her husband went to work,
after dinner, she was left alone in their rooms,
which include all of the apartments the first
floor. ring at the bell called Mrs Smith to
the front door Two men dressed as mechanics
were standing there. They introduced themselves
as plumbers sent by the landlord. Mrs. Smith,
unsuspicious, led the way to the kitchen She
stood by the door as the first one entered, and
after waiting moment turned to let the second
man pass. AS she turned he struck her a terri
bic blow with his fist, which caused her to fall on
her knees. Before she had time to cry out, her
assalant's fingers were fastened on her neck.
Then the other man drew long rope from
sack he carried and proceeded to bind her feet
and hands. towel was drawn tightly across
her mouth and both ends tied together back of
nef noaQ. Inc fODDerS opened the bosom or Mrs
Smiths dress and got hold of a wallet containing
81 030 Suddenly the door-bell rang, and one of
the fellows cody answered the summons. Mr..
Timothy and wife, friends of the Smiths, had
stopped to make friendly call. While one
of the robbers held Mrs Smith on the
floor with his hand pressed over her mouth to
prevent her uttering a sound, the other informed
the callers that Mrs Smith was i'll and unable
to see any visitors. Then he closed and locked
the door.
What shall we do with herr" said he.
Kill her; that's the only thing to do" said the
other; ''then she'll never squeal"
Il don't want to kill a woman in cold blood"
rejoined the first speaker.
You needn't do it in cold blood answered
the other. Just set fire to the house, and let
her burn up"
Then Mrs. Smith saw the man who spoke last
seize kerosene if to execute his threat
The can proved to be empty He cast
it from him with oath, and cried: Lets
dump her into the bath tub and turn
on the water; she'll drown like a rat"
moments consultation ensued; then the
would be lnurderers went out of the front door,
closing the door after them, leaving Mrs. Smith
dead from fright. Half an hour elapsed before
she regained strength enough to attempt loosen
ing the bonds about her wrists. This task took
another half hour. Dragging herself on her
knees, she finally reached the front door. A
passer-by was apprised of what had taken place
and the police notified. Up to this morning
they have obtained no clew, and have been able
to accomplish nothing except to caution Mr..
Smith not to say anything about the affair to re-
porters Mrs. Smith has been Frustrated by the
shock, and she is now seriously i'll.