The herald., 1895-09-30
Persistent Attempts to Commit
Burglary at Highland Park
A DOG DOES NOBLE DUTY
Four Times Have Men Come, but Been
Scared Away
Several Weeks Ago a Man Got Into the
House but Was Surprised-f1r. Kearse
Has Shot Several Times Lately

About the most persistent attempt to
burglarize house reported in long
time has occurred a. Highland Park dur
ing the last month or so. No less than
four trials have been made to effect an
entrance and take away valuables, but
each one has failed of consummation.
This object of the attention of the rob-
bers is the residence of Mr.. VIM. 1.
Kearse, or what is more generally known
as the Hatch place. The last visitation
of the marauuers was on Friday night
and on Wednesday before the same par
ties, presumably, we're also around the
grounds. On both occasions they were
scented by the watch dog which aroused
Mr.. Kearse by barking and the proprietor
fired at the men, but did not succeed in
hitintg them. Some weeks ago two men
tried to get into the house after dark but
on one occasion they were prevented by
the dog and on the other were frightened
away after getting inside.
The house is very isolated, standing on
a nigh plomontory about quarter of
mile from the Santa Fe and Pasadena
electric car tracks and fully three hun
dred yards from the nearest neighbor.
The approach is abrupt, that to the front
being by flight of steep stairs, while
along the sides and coming to the rear is
"a winding ROAD. High steps also lead to
the front porch on which sleeps the watch
dog every night.
Some ueeks ago Captain Morris, the
father-in-law of Mr.. keaIse, was aroused
about II o'clock at night by hearing foot
steps in the dining room underneath him
and he called Mr.. Kearse's attention to
Late ,nd h iDncp
down to investigate. From the room and
leading into the pantry is swinging
door and about eight feet further on is
still another door connecting with the
kitchen. On the other de of the partl-
tion are two more doors that commune
cate with tho dining room. thus making
complete circle of doors.
Mr.. Kearse walked as noiselesslv as possi-
bic but the burglar evidently ht ard him
coming and star ted to escape through the
closely and heard each of the four doors
close in turn and also perceived the man
escape through the window. The fellow
had evidently come to size up matters
nd get the lay Of the JAM onr
and made his escape as he did.
About two nights later Mr.. Kearse was
awakened by loud barking of the dog. and
going to the window of the front room
which overlooks the front yard saw a
grasp OF the dos, which held him fast by
the left arm. The fellow had apparently
gone up OH the porch and tried to get in
by the parlor window where the dog had
surprised and driven him down the stairs.
Mr.. Kearse at first thought it possible
tnat the man was friend VINO had come
TO see him about something important,
ana sad what is wanted?" To this
the fellow gave no reply, but continued
to retreat down the steps 81, the dog all IT, the
large St, Bernard, and merely wanted to
detain the man until told to let loose or
bite.
Mrs. Kearse had come to the window,
too, and she called to her husband to get
his gun and shoot tle fellow. He caught
the Weapon and by the time he had re-
tuned to the window the burglar had
gotten on the lower flight of steps, but
was unable to shake the dog from off his
arm.
wife relented and begged him not to
shoot. He then called the dog to let go
OF the man, and as soon as the latter
found himself loose he turned and bolted
down the hill about seventy yards distant
tc where cart and horse and another man
stood waiting.
'Are YOU all right, Jim?" asked this
fellow, who held the reins-
"Yes; but drive like h." replied the
latter as he jumped into the cart.
Inc OtneT lOSJ no Time In OCeylnS anu
lashed the horse into run and sped
down the hill. They drove to the avenue
and took the direction back to this city.
Nothing more was heard from the rob-
bers until last Wednesday night, when
they again made their appearance on the
GROUNDS of Mr.. Kearse. The dog heard
them and at once aroused the house hold
with his barks. MIR. Kearse sprang to
the window and saw couple OF shadows
running along the brow OF the hall end
took several shots at them, but evidently
did not hit either.
Nlast Friday night about IL or IL o'clock
thefellowS came around once more and
once more did the dog see them and
arouse his master. Mr.. Kearse saw the
outlines of two men running and tried
to pink them with his shotgun, but as
he had no opportunity to aim they got
away.
These repeated attempts to get into the
house show that the robbers are profess
sionals and seem to think that there is
large quantity of valuable property in
the house, and propose to make every at
tempt and risk almost anything to secure
Nentrance.
just what further attempt to rob the
house Will be made cannot be stated, but
at all events Mr.. Kearse is prepared to
give the marauders decidedly warm re-
ception, and the next time they come
there may be one less to drive back to
town.
So far as has been reported no other
HOUSES in that locality have been ap-
preached, the operations being confined
to the LARGE White hOuse on the hill