Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1893-08-11

football on any of them would light
all the electric lamps in the house;
would ring large bell in the tower;
would telegraph a warning 10 the
nearest police station, and would set
more gongs ringing all over the place
than burglar who was at all nervous
cared to hear.
Billy realized, then. that the ordi-
nary methods would have tendency
to fail if applied to the big house
standing OH its own extensive grounds,
and so he resolved that when he and
| his pals entered the house it would
be at a time when the family had not
retired to rest.
Billy'S plans, when matured, were
very simple. He obtained the cos
tune of police inspector for himself
and the clothes OF an ordinary police
man for each OF his four pals. He
got, likewise a very good imitation
of warrant Of arrest, made out in
| the name OF Mr.. Slider. Billy was the
man of brains in the gang, and the
other four. realizing this, did exactly
as he told them. They were in per
feet state cf discipline and had the
utmost confidence in Billy's ingenuity.
The plan was this They were TO OBJ
tain entrance into the house at
about nine O'Clock in the evening, in
perfect legal form; the inspector was
to arrest Mr.. Slider, who might, Of
course. be indignant, but the con
spirators expected that the respect Il
banker has for the forms OF law at
least insured submission under pro
test; and while the inspector stood
guard over the arrested man, two OF
the alleged policemen were 10 be
posted so that no one could leave the
house. even If Mr. Slider wanted to
send a messenger away, which was
not likely. because Of his certainty
that this WAS mistake which could
easily be cleared up. The other two
alleged policemen could then search
the house under the protection OF a
bogus search warrant, and quietly Sc
crete all the valuabies and money
that they could lay their hands on.
The Inspector then intended TO tell
Mr.. Slider that, becaLse OF his pro
test. ne would not take him to jail,
but that he must understand that he
was under arrest. and that he might
have to report to the head officer
when called upon to DO so. Billy
imagined that the time which must
intervene before the news OF the un-
warranted arrest reached the real po-
lice would give him all the opportun-
ity he wanted to cover his tracks and
secrete his spoils
This plan worked admirably up TO
certain point, when Billy and his
pals were treated to Supplying sur
prise The man at the porter's lodge
tremblngly admitted the officers OF
the law into the grounds. He was
then ordered TO lock the gates which
he did. and one OF the policemen took
the KEY and remained in the porter ;
lodge with the man and his wife, who
were certainly very much frightened
Another policeman was left to guard
the entrance of the house, while the
bogus Inspector and the remaining
policemen rang at the front door.
The person who admitted them was
also terrified ut the sight OF their
uniforms.
Billy asked if Mr.. Slider was at
home, and was informed that he was
in the drawing room. He then asked
that he and the officers might be
shown there without being an
uounced.
Mr.. Slider was sitting in an easy
chair surrounded by his family. He
turned his head round, and when the
door opened without the customary
knock. and when he saw the uniform
Of the Inspector a ghastly pallor came
over his face. Before the Inspector
could speak, lie held out his hand and
said:
"One moment please Then turn
ing to his wife, he remarked to her in
a low voice, Take the children 20
your own room and stay there till
come. | have some business with
this gentleman. Don't be alarmed.
Everything is all right. had an ap
pointmeut with him, but forgot to
mention it TO you
The pale woman and her frightened
children withdrew, aud Slider stood
alone confronting Billy aud his two
pals.
Il am sorry to say" began Billy,
that have a warrant for your arrest
All the entrances are guarded, and
OF course, you understand the futility
of making any resistance -
Quite so; quite so" said Slider
huskily. Il appreciate all that
Il have also search warrant here
and while / stay with you my mer
most have a look over the premises
Do you wish Inc to read the warrant
to your"
1T is not at all necessary saiC
Slider. in al agitated voice. Il hav'
no doubt they are quite correct. A
for searching have no power to pre-
vent; but. before you begin, | wouIt
like to make proposal 10 you, in
spector. You look like a shrewC
man. How many policemen hav
YOU with you!'
L have four, answered Billy.
There are five OF You altogether
them"
Exactly"