New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-25
BOUND and GAGGED IN A BLAZING ROOM.
A REMARKABLE STORY TOLD BY CLERK IN

A REMARKABLE STORY TOLD BY A CLERK IN
Ew-ROCHELLE-DoI-BTs OF THE POLICE.
Albert Griffin twenty years old clerk employed
in Alva c. Orcus men sfurnishing goods shop In New
Rochelle westchester County, says that he narrowly
escaped being burned alive on Sunday night Grifins
remarkable story is that he returned from church at
10 O'clock in the evening. and after examining the
store as was his CUSTOM went to bed In small room
in the rear of the store
little after midnight he says he awoke with sense
of suffocadon to find himself bound and gagged. He
was unable TO make outcry. Through the sim
light byrring fror, bracket The bed he dsocfGed
the face of man, wearing mask, bending over him.
He struggled to release himself from the ropes that held
him powerless, and the told him that If he did
not remain quiet his struggle would cost him his life.
Through fright, young Griffin remained silent. An
other masked man then came into his room. The sec
ond was followed by third, and the three men held
hurried consultation and of the men again told
Griffin In a gruf voice that If he did not keep quiet
they would "fx" him. The first man examined
Griffin after he bound and gagged, TO make sure
that he could make outcry escape. The men thch
went out into the store and lesurcly began to pack up
articles. After gathering up all of their booty they
prepared to leave Before taking their departure the
men set fire 10 a lot Of paper boxes on the hoor,
and after being sure that the flames would con-
sumo the building and young Griffin, locked the doors
and made their escape
Griffin lay spcllbound upon his bed Inc names
began to eat their way through the nflammable con-
tents of the boxes, and communicated TO the shelving
and goods. lie made desperate struggle, and
rolling off OF his bed crwed to the door at the front
entrance, where he shouted for help lie made a
violent effort to force the door open, although his
hands were tied lie succeeded after considerable
struggling and rolled out upon the sidewalk, where
he was found by John Lasher clerk in the uguenot
Hotel who about to go TO bed, and who heard
young Grifin's cries for help. large crowd had
already congrcgated In front Of the building, and
young Griffin liberated from his fetter and
gag.
In the meantime a fire alarm sounded, and
the volunteer engine companies quickly responded
oscar Kull and his wife lived on the top floor OF
the building. and Frederick Finke had room in the
building. Charles Jordan, proprietor Of furniture
store opposite the burning building, rushed into the
rescued Kull and his wife from their bed.
The building was saved but Oncutt's merchandise
was totally destroyed by the fire and water. lie
places his loss at about "a ,O00 and has insurance
of g, 600. The damage 10 the building amounts to
about $4,000.
Many people in New Rochelle are disposed to doubt
Grlfins story. Chief OF Police Conhlin is investgat-
ing the matter. and had young Griffin before him
Yesterday morning TO learn thing about the mys
ierous bu glars. 1t is not known whether the bur-
glars carriel away anything or not. The police say
that they mysterious person persons about
the village during the night and that the clearness
OF the evening" with bright moon shining, would be
unfavorabe for burglars 60 be about.