The Portland daily press., 1893-07-12
LOOKED LIKE A GYPSY.
The Man Who Tried to Steal a
Child at Old Orchard.
A PLUCKY WOMAN SAVED THE
MANS LITTLE VICTIM.

The Strange Story Told by Biddeford
Paper-Gracie Brown Was wading in
the Surf When a Dark Faced Man
Drove His Team Into the Water and
Seized Her-Mrs. Minnie Knowlton
Stopped the Horse and Rescued Oracle.
BIDDEFoRD, July 1.-THE Journal
tonight prints the following:
As bold an attempt as was ever made
in this vicinity at kidnapping was pluck
lily frustrated Friday by woman.
Oracle M. Brown, the little daughter
OF Sumner Brown of Saco, the carpenter.
was the child who was so boldly seized,
and dark, fierce looking individual, ap-
parently gypsy, was the one who in
broad day light, in plain view of mum.
Der OF houses, upon the wide open
stretch of beach at Old Orchard at
tempted the daring abduction.
The little Brown child, in company
with another child of about the same
age, was padding early Friday after
noon In the water down somewhere in
front OF the Belmont house. Thew were
not directly in front of the house but
were over toward Pine Point short dis
lance, leaving them some little wav
from any habitation. Few persons. If in
tact anyone, were to be seen upon the
beach at that time. although there were
picnic parties in the woods near by, No
one, however, had the least idea that the
children were in any danger.
But a team suddenly appeared upon
the beach, coming directly toward the
little bathers, who were happily Jump
ing about in the water with their clothes
pulled up above their knees. On came
the horse, and on it's driver urged If
directly into the surf.
The team swooped down upon the
children, the driver leaned over, reached
out his hand, and in twinklinp the lit-
tie girl was hauled up into the wagon
ana bounced down upon the seat. 1t
was done in second and almost before
the child herself had realized what had
happened. -'' -'-'N'
The man cracked his whip and headed
his horse toward the woods. The little
girl kicked and screamed and tried To
escape. The black faced ruffian struck
her in the face and threatened to kill her
It she made noise. Her compani n
had also set up q despairing shout. Help
Woo III UuHdl5ly ibl nanQ.
It seems that the only person that saw
this bold abduction, that was also near
enough to render any help, was Mrs.
Minnie Knowlton of Saco, nee Rem:ck.
The horse was coming toward her and
she did not hesitate minute AS tho
animal houndered through the sand She
Eseized the horses head and held it with
determination never to let GO until the
child was given up. The man saw that
he had best give in and get out of sight
quick. He dumped out the child.
whipped up the horse and drove away.
The family of James d. Deas of Saco.
were picnicing in the woods near by and
their attention had been attracted by
the outcries of the children. Some Of
them started for policeman while Others
rushed toward the team. AS the man
drove by he shook his first at them and
ripped out string of oaths. He also
declared that the child had asked him
for ride He got out of the way long
before an officer could be found. He has
not yet been apprehended although it is
supposed he is one of party of gipsies
that are staying at Old Orchard.