Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-07-10
DARING ROBBERS
Enter Chicago Residence, Bind Woman
and Skip with Their Booty.

Enter a Chicago Residence, Bind a Woman
and Skip with Their Booty.
CHICAGO, July 9.-The most daring and
adroitly executed robbery that has taken
place in Chicsgo for mspy, vesEs waa -eo@
Court, the residence of Charles Smith, head
draughtsman OF the Dearborn foundry, 1925
Dearborn street. Mr.. Smith is in receipt of
a good salary, and although lessee of a
box in the vaults of the Union Safety
and Deposit Company, it has been
his practice for some time past
to intrust large portion OF
his earnings with his wife. Mrs. Smith is
stout lady, about 26 years old. When her
husband went to work after dinner she was
left alone in their rooms, which include all
of the apartments on the first floor. A ring
at the bell called Mrs. Smith to the front
door. Two men, dressed as mechanics, were
sanding there. They introduced themselves
as plumbers sent by the landlord. Mrs.
Smith was unsuspicious, and led the way to
the kitchen. She stood by the door as the
first one entered, and, after waiting q mo-
ment, turned to let the second man pass.
As she turned, he struck her terrible blow
with his fist, which caused her to fall on her
knees. Before she had time to cry out her
assailants fingers were fastened in
her neck. Then the other man drew long
rope from sack he carried and proceeded
to bind her feet and hands. A towel was
drawn tightly across her mouth and both
ends tied together back OF her head. The
robbers then tore open the bosom Of Mrs.
Smiths dress and got hold of a wallet con-
tanning $1,000. Suddenly the door bell
rang, when one of the robbers coolly On.
swered 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
bis hand pressed over her mouth to prevent
her uttering sound, the other informed
the callers that Mrs. Smith was i'll and una
bic to see any visitors. Then be closed and
locked the door.
"Whst shall we DO with herr said he.
Kill her. that's the only thing to dc"
said the other; then she'll never squeal. !"
Il don't want to kill q woman in cold
blood, rejoined the FIRST speaker.
"You needn't do it in cold blood, an.
swered the other. lust set FIRE to the house
and let her burn up.
Then Mrs. Smith saw the man who spoke
last seize kerosene can as if to execute
bis threat but the can proved 10 be empty.
He cast it from him with an oath, and
cried let's dump her into the bath tub, and
turn on the water; she'll drown ike rat. !"
A moments consultation ensued. howey-
er, and the would-be murderers quietly
walked out the front door, closing it after
them and leaving MIRA Smith on the floor,
bound hand and foot, and almost dead from
fright. half an honr elapsed before she re-
gained 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 pssser.by was apprised OF what
had taken place, and the police were mott
fed. Up to this morning they have OBJ
tanned no clue, aud have been able to &C
complish nothing except to caution Mr..
Smith not to say anything about the AFFAIR
to reporters. Mrs Smith has been peostra-
ted by the shock, and Is now seriously i'll.