The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-03-16
THE HONEST BURGLAR.

higher level than it was when | first
selected that means of livelihood
always make point of seeking foe
man worthy of my steel. Never do enter
a house-no matter what inducements its
contents may Offer-which has not the very
latest scientific burglar projections. Ordi-
nary locks and bolts | positively refuse to
attack and earnestly left open doors and
windows disdain to make use Of leave
those tidbits for dishonest burglars who
take not the professional pride that do in
overcoming difficulties
wealthy chap who had made his mil
lions in the way | despise, had erected Il
grand mansion, with all the finest cleo
trical burglar alarms known to date. Every
door and window was doubly protected,
so the slightest touch after the wires were
set would jingle numberless bells, and
turn on the lighted gas all over the house
in brilliant illumination. In addition to
all that melodious display there are tell-tale
steps on each staircase and tempting bits of
silverware connected with wires to the
main battery left in plain sight by the safe
in the dining room.
All these imposing preparations, so eN-
gave to me glorious delight, and | looked
forward to attacking them with all small
boys Fourth of July enthusiasm.
At last the battle night came, and with
it Mr.. William hummer my active partner
in the business Mr.. hummer was highly
respected in the profession, Like myself
he never stopped to conquer and was
equally noted for his gentlemanly and
sturdy honesty.
We knew the place well, for Bill and
myself had managed to secure work there
when the house was being remodeled
Through side hedge and across the large
lawn from tree to tree we cautiously ad-
vanced, pausing frequently to observe and
listen
When we got close to the house we made
a circuit round it, and finding everything
safe and comfortable we prepared for bust
ness. Instead of attempting IA guarded
through the clapboards into the paror, as
we might have done, to avoid the wires,
our plan was to enter through the unpro-
tected roof Taking from my bag an arrow
with a coil of fishing line attached. placed
it in bow which had been my cane while
travelling and neatly shot the line above
and over the house, so that it fell clear of
windows or distractions.
In few minutes IA signal tug on it told
me that Bill had found the arrow on the
other side of the house Then tied on a
heavier line, but strong enough to hang
two ordinary men, and signalled Bill to
haul away. Next | 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 ! went first, of
course, being the senior partner in the con-
Germ and chief manager of my unpatented
invention.
Comfortably sitting on wooden cross
piece pulled away on the endless rope
attachment one pound pull lifting four i,
and easily raised myself to where | could
reach and mount upon the broad caves of
the shingled slOping roof. In iiffy Part
ner Bill performed the same circus act and
was at my side. Like two cats we quickly
clambered, with the help of the cross-line,
to the scuttle, and then, with no trouble at
all to such artists as we were, the bolt was
forced and Fort Electricity was TAKEN with
its garrison blissfully dreaming of the
safety afforded 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 working suits, consisting of
long white night-gowns and caps, and
which am proud to say, | invented for
occasions like the present.
In our handsome rutfled night-gowns and
caps we fearlessly glide in and out of bed
rooms, make half-awake men turn over on
their pillows so we can get their watches
or pistols, with no more than a sleepy
grunt at being disturbed, and even get in
bed beside them if there's danger of actual
discovery.
Well, Bill and 1, like two white-robed
Santa Clauses, came down stairs and went
straight to our work, Bill taking the rooms
on one side of the dimly-lighted hall, and
| the others.
Here let me say that snoring, which is
usually so offensive to the listeners be-
comes in our business most melodious
and soothing sound. Like Sancho Panza,
| bless the man who invented sleep, and
thrice bless the woman, perhaps, who
invented the sweeter snore, though never
do it myself, not having time at night like
other folk.
Breathing these blessings, I entered the
main room, where the old General of the
fort lay snoring for all he was worth. First
| tackled his trousers and got his we'll
stuffad xuallat then tiSbed for hi, ,,a+,l