Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1895-01-10

protection of electricity, dogs We're
not on hand to interfere with our
pleasure, though had there been we
had patent way of winning their
friendship
When W" got close to the house,
we made a circuit around it, and
finding everything safe and comfort
able we prepared for business. In
stead of attempting Il guarded door
Or window, or even cutting hole
through the claphUards into the par
Tor, al we might have done to avoid
the wires. our plan was to enter
through the unprotected roof. Tax
ing from my bag an arrow with a
coil of fishing line attached, placed
It in bow (Which had been my cane
while travelngD and neatly shot the
line above and over the house, so
that ii fell clear of windows or OBJ
StruCtiOnS.
In few minutes u single tug on it
told me that Bill had found the ar
vow on t'OthCr side of the house.
Then tied OH heavier line, light.
but strong enough to hang two or
binary men, and signaled Bill to haul
away. Next l fastened on a well
creased high power pulley block, on
which was the flexible rope for our
ascent, and gave the signal to haul
away again and make fast
Soon Bill did SO, and, joining me,
we got ready to go aloft.
l went first, of course, being the
/ in fhn
chief manager of my unpatented in
ventiOn.
Comfortably sitting on a wooden
CrOssplCce, pulled away on the end
less rope attachment (one pound pull
lifting four and easily raised myself
to where l could reach and mount
upon the broad caves of the shingled
slOping roof.
In a jitfy Partner Bill performed
the same circus act and was at my
side.
Like two cats, we quickly clam
bcrcd, with the help of the crossline,
to tho Scuttle, and then, with no trou-
bic ut all to such artists as we were,
the bolt was forced, and Fort Elec-
tricity was taken, with it's garrison
blissfully dreaming of the safety af-
fordcd by the latest burglar alarms.
Softly creeping down the scuttle
ladder, we gained the garnet floor,
and there, by the CHEEKY light of our
dark lanterns, we donned our work.
ing suits, consisting of long white
nightgowns and caps, and which, ]
am proud to say, invented for occa
sions like the present.
Being an honest burglar, l never
considered it square to needlessly
startle sleeping person. The ladies
especially suffer from nervous shock
and fright and either faint dead away
or scream SO loudly that it is annoy.
ing, TO say the least.
The men are apt to waken out OF
humor or are scared to death, and in
both cases are generally beyond reach
of argument.
But in our handsome ruff1ed night
gowns and caps we fearlessly glide
III and out of bedrooms, make hall
awake men turn over on their Dill
lows SO we can get their watches OF
pistols, with no more than q sleepy
grunt at being disturbed, and even
get in bed beside them if there's dan
ger of actual discovery
You see, our boldnesS and appear
ance naturally cause them to take us
for members of the family and treat
us accordingly.
This surely is much pleasanter thar
burning sulphur matches under theil
noses or binding their eyes with the
rays of II dark lantern or giving them
pointed revolver bluff or a billy
Put yourself i'll their places, and
guess you'll fully agree with me.
Well, Bill and /, like two white
robed Santa Clauses, came dowr
stairs and went straight to our work
Bill taking the rooms on one side OF
the dlmly lighted hall, and the 9th
erS.
Here let me say that snoring, which
is usually offensive to the listener
becomes in our business q most melo
dious and soothing sound. Like San
cho PanZa, bless the man who in
vented sleep, and thrice bless the
woman, perhaps, who invented TIE
sweeter snore, though l never do il
myself, not having time at night like
other folks.
Breathing these blessings, entered
the main room, where the old gen.
eral of the fort lay snoring for all he
was worth.
First tackled his trousers and got
his well stuffed wallet, then picked
up a young jewelry store from the
bureau. then fished for his watch
under his pillow. But the old snore1
lay on it hard so it wouldn't come.
Showing HIM gently by the shoulder,
l whispered, Turn over"
Half opening his eyes, enough tc
see my white robe, he gave the usual
grunt and obeyed. In n moment his
interrupted snore began louder than
before, and the ticker was mine.
To the next room 1 went and as
easily helped myself.
The third room, which was the
guest chamber, / visited with equal
success, and then, not intending to
upset the electrical arrangement on
the first floor sneaked out in the
hall To find Bill and skip out for good
the way we had come.
A dimly burning gaslight made the
darkness visible, and shortly saw
Bills noble ghostike figure emerge
from Il room, and without looking in
my direction walk toward the far
end of the hall.