Montgomery County sentinel., 1891-11-20
Miscellane0Ms.
WORKED BY TELEPHONE,

ut ~ well-known TACT that no other
section of the population avail them
selves more readily and speedily Of the
latest triumph of science than the Grim
inal class" said the detective.
"The well-informed criminal" he
continued, "skims the cream from every
new invention, if he can make use of it.
No iron safe has yet been constructed
that keeps out tho shrowd and determ-
ined burglar, and that's the way in ov-
erything. But | don't recall case 10
which this truth was more thoroughly
demonstrated than the Maxwell case"
What case was thatf" asked
1T was at tho time when the tele-
phone had just been introduced into
business and private use. George Max
well was at that time one of the most
successful spectators on the board OF
trade at Chicago, and was currently re-
ported to have tipped the scale which
marked one million dollars, lIe was .
young aud handsome man and had just
married lady Of remarkable beauty,
II was decided love match A score
or so Of messages were dispatched every
day during business hours, They con-
tanned such important queries AZ ; '2;l0
p, m. How are you now, darlingT And
replies like this; '2;35 p, IN, Isigh for
you. How is my sweetestr Well, TO
save outlay aud to increase the facility
of communication, Mr., Maxwell con-
nected his Office with his homo in Ash
land avenue, two miles Oft, by private
telephone wire. lle was ono Of the
first men in Chicago to do so, About
two out Of six business hours we're now
spent by him at tho instrument.
"One day, just before the close Of
business, there was ring at tho tele-
phone. The devoted husband with n
leap was there. What does my dar-
ling wish 7 he murmured,
"Pm no darling, You mistake me,
sir = camo the reply in a masculine
voice, voice rough and rasping, but
very distinct,
"'Who arc you, then 2 asked tho as
tonishod millionaire,
"'fm Thomas Jefferson Odell, the
accomplished burglar, if you want to
know.
"Repeat. please, gasped the other.
"0dell, tho burglar, came the an-
swer. But, now listen, | cannot wasts
time. | and two Of my gang have
gained access to your house, The cook /,
the chambermaid and your wife are lying
hero bound and gagged Tho black
coachman has been disposed OF. Some
bundles of rags soaked in petroleum
have been judiciously distributed about
the house ready TO bc lighted
"'You scoundrel ! shouted the ago
nized husband, in an excess Of emo.
ton
Don't excite yourself. Now, sir,
here is my proposal IL you disappear
from the telephone without acceding tC
il shall set FIRE TO the house. It's nc
use applying TO the police, for we'd b,
too quick for them. You will acc, Mr.
Maxwell, that you are utterly in mJ
power. The only sensible thing yol
/ eau uo ~ W iietch w "y P''Pv9" ""'
to agree to 1t
"'Oh, wish had my hand at you
throat, you villain ! shouted the mil
lionaire. shaking with rage.
"'But you know you haven't, 81
what's the use Of your talking that way
Le, us talk business Instead. need .
loan Of ten thousand dollars cash.
need il at once II you are inclined Il
lend me that sun without guarantee
shall leave your house with my men il
exactly the same condition in which
found II"
.''You are running me, groaned Max
well. And | don't think have tina
much money in cash in tho office safe.
You'll force me TO commit an afro
cious deed,' came the remorseless re
ply.
10 whom 2
"'It is now 5:l5 exactly. At thi
very moment my confederate has en-
tered your Office TO receive the money
You will pay him and he will cell 20
the watchword agreed to between US
which you will telephone to me I
once
"Mr. Maxwell turned around. !
stanger of pleasant mien, dressed in III
; height of fashion, stood before him. =
Said the visitor:
"I have called 10 collect n lit
matter Of ten thousand dollars for
friend Of mine Thomas JciTersc
y nl.n