The morning call., 1891-09-16
THE IMPRISONED
ROBBER.
Midnight In New York Cityl

tism having seized him directly his supper
was finished.
al don't know anybody l could send,
said Mr.. kingdom TO his wife at the time
at would be great risk to leave the
house alone for one night even," added
Mrs. kingdom. "There is the silver-saie
YOU have so often told me about, which Is
built in the wall of the back parlor. II
anything happened TO it Banker Truswell
would say it was due to your carelessness,
and would never forgive you. When DO
Won expect him home from Europe James =
-Four months from nOw-that will be
October" replied her husband. Then,
too" he continued. Mr.. Truswell's anceS-
tors Jewels are stored in the safe. II one
of them was stolen he'd 90 frantic I'm very
much worried.
wouldn't do. father9" suggested Dave
Kingdom, who had just returned to the room
after few moments absence.
"You are only boy" replied his father;
but Dawes idea struck him favorably.
"Imisht prove that boys are Of some use
in the world" laughed Dave.
''What could you do if burglar pounced
upon yOu?'
the rheumatism"
"That's fact. Well I don't see any al
tentative but for ME to let you go.
Mr. Kingdom gave his son the keys, to-
gether with instructions as 10 what he should
60 through the house every hour, Dave,
and examine the safe at every round. That
huge brass key will unlock It," said his
father, as the boy was leaving the house.
Midnight found Dave going one VI his
rounds.
He moved noiselessly through the house,
wearing pair Of soft slippers, lest his loot
steps should betray to him any intruder.
When lie reached the parl0r floor he was
startled by feeble ray OF light, which came
from tie rear room, giving slckiy hue TO
the objects OF the front room, into which
Dave stepped cautiously.
He approached the middle OF the apart
ment in order to obtain view Of what was
going on in the back; but as he gained moth
ing by this, he made bold to take up his post
behind rich, heavy curtain that hung be-
tween the rooms. This DONE he zee ed out
from his place of conceament. a strange
sensation creeping over him OF mingled
anxiety and alarm, which turned to shud-
Gering horror at the sight that met his
vision.
a bottle, in the neck Of which was a
lighted candle, rested on the floor, and
kneeling close beside 1t was the powerful
form of burly negro with the most savage
face that human being ever possessed.
The skin was coarse and as ugly as sin, two
huge irregular teeth prOtTuded over thick
under lip, and pair of fiery, ferocious eyes
locked out from beneath forbiddtng brow.
1t was easy to see that he was desperate
OF the worst type.
Dave saw the fellow take powder hask
from his pocket
'Oh, heavenl He Is going to blow the safe
open! l must prevent the act in some
WaYI'
The boy carefully drew his keys from his
trousers pocket and succeed ed in releasing
the huge brass key from the ring
When the intuder's back was turned
toward him, the boy sank upon his knees
and Crept stealthily over the uooT-track TIL
he was able TO place the key where the
negro would see it on turning about. 1t was
a terrible moment for the boy-but he sue
ceede1 in regaining his hiding place without
detection.
When the fellows eyes rested on the key
be started. Strange he had not observed it
befOrel
Had he been Of a superstitious mind, he
would have concluded that Satan very gen.
erOusly placed il there.
The least feeling Of suspicion stole over
him. Was any one near?
He glanced sharply about him, but no
sign of Life could he see.
He pTicked up his ears, butall was still as
death, save for his own hoarse breathing
=
Not satisfied with this he walked into the
front room, pausing near ths curtain, his
bTaWHy arm almost touching another arm
which was well concealed by the dTapery.
Dave held his breath with an effort. That
moment was one Of terrible suspense.
The man turned and walked back; the
boy was safe.
Presently Dave heard the grating Of the
key as 1t was being inserted in the lock Of
the safe.
''Now is my time. If he only opens the
door and goes in everything will work we'll"
In few seconds there was harsh eli" :;
the iron door was drawn slowly open; then
satisfactory smile lighted up the hideOus
features Of the daring housebreaker who
had executed the act.
Little did ne dream that two bright, boy
ish eyes were taking in his every move
ment
Little did he Imagine that when the day
dawred the daily papers would be filled
with glowing accounts of the pluckiest piece
OF herOism that boy ever attempted.
HE has entered" said Dave to himself,
and be stepped out from his place Of con-
ceaiment and moved toward the vault.
Oh, terrible moment!
Quick as a fash he clutched the great
shining knob and with mighty effort pulled
the big, heavy door.
BangI Click! Then Dave Kingdoms
work was done. He had captured one of
the worst men ever known to crime.
Though the iron door was thick it did not
prevent any sound from going throug it.
A fierce yell OF rage burst from the pris-
oneT's lips.
Course you, let me outp'
No reply from Dave.
LET me out, l say, OF you willisuffer for
thisP rOared the negro, and his voice was
boarse and awful to hear.
In after years Dave looked back On that
eVentful night and likened the fellow to q
maniac.
81 will not let you out" Dave replied in
clear, firm accents. "If You don't like it in
there, what made you go IMP"
"NOne of your trifiing, boy" cautioned
the other, who recognized Dawes stage in
life by his fresh, youthful voice.
Pm not trifiing. As soon as the police
arrive you will be let out, and no until then.
Anyway" added the boy. 81 don't think
you would look very lovingly at mo II did
release you. have got to look out for my
self, you know"
The occupant of the vault was furious.
"YOu can make sure I'd strangle you IL ]
could get at youp he cried, pounding
against the thick door.
81 don't doubt YOU"
II tell you to let me out boy" persisted
the prisoner, 'Or will force this door open
with my right arm. My strength has no
limit"
"You will find ont that it has by the time
you get through trying" returned Dave,
who had sense enough to put no faith in the
fellows speech. Pm going to notify the
police now. If you manage to break the
lock open during my absence you will fully
deserve your Hberty-your name will live
after you for your unheard-of strength"
Saying which he left the apartment and
dressed himself for the street.
Half an hour later he stood In Banker
TrusWelFs parlors, accompanied by three
bIue-coats.
Three minutes after that the hurley negro
Tufered a pair of handouts to be fastened
1n his bTawny wrists.
Il suppose yOu have no Idea who thi;
man is?" said one OF the officers, turning to
Dave.
II can't say that have"
He is known to US and the detectives as
Lively JohDstone, for whose capture there
Is a standing reward of S10.0O0," said tht
officer
you don't sayp' exclaimed Dave, hardly
erediting his ears.
Yes. OF course the money will 20 Il
YOu."
who furnished so much for that pur-
pose?" asked the boy. to whom the amour
seemed fabulous.
"A millionaire In Harlem. This fellow
attacked him NIGHT IF