The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-02-26
A BURGLAR ALARM.


contained enough diamonds, polished and
IN the Ugh, to adorn a court
Mr.. Reuben Goldsmid had very little to
trouble him, but even the most peaceful
ives have their period of unrest. and trou-
ole came to Mr.. Goldsmid in the shape of
kindly circular from Scotland Yard.
1t warned him that the enterprising
burglar was on the warpath in the London
suburbs, and that detached houses stand
ing in their own grounds" were specially
liable to his attack.
As he went to town that day his atteu-
ton was attracted by the talk of two of
his fellow travellers
Fearful business this burglary at the
Bulgarian ambassadors, said the stout
man. Where are the poiice?''
That's just what I want to know"
said the tall man. ''In my country, if a
chap goes burg]ing in a city, why, the
police run him co earth pretty quick, and
If he tries That game on in the country you
bet he soon has the regulators on his track
and finds himself strung up to telegraph
pole.'
''All very we'll talking said the stout
man gruffly. I've heard of American
burglaries before this
See here said the tall man, ian
American burglar has lot to do before
he gets inside a house Your idea here
pick with a crooked nail and window
catches you can open with butter knife.
l should like to rip up a house and make
1t safe and see some of your clever bur-
glars fooling around trying to find way
in"
Mr. Goldsmid could keep silence no
longer. 81 beg your pardon. sir he
said, 'but really should like to have
talk with you. To tell you the truth, if
you can kelp me to put my house in some
thing like tolerable state of security, l
shall be most grateful. I am most anx-
ious, l assure you. Here is my card
And here is mine, sir. I'm happy to
make your acquaintance Mr.. Goldsmid,
and 1 shall be glad to help you
Mr.. Goldsmid took the card and read,
"Cyrus F. Trotter, Mechanical and Elec-
trical Engineer 251 West Fifteenth street,
New York.
After lunch Mr.. Trotter took the dia-
mond merchant to half dozen shops and
offices to show him various engines of de-
struction and mechanical devices which
he must purchase in order to fix up the
house at Highgate.
Mr.. Trotter was busy for nearly three
| days putting his appliances in position.
Then he dined at Highgate and showed
Mr. Goldsmid how, by merely turning a
| button behind the hall door, all his appa-
ratus was put in full working order, while
by turning it back again the whole would
be turned out OF gear
! Mr.. Goldsmid slept comfortably that
night and fe.t like a man who is beyond
| the reach of the dangers that affiict ordi-
| nary mortals.
| Next day he was called away to Amster
| dam on important business He sent a
| telegram to Mrs GOldsmid telling her
! that if he were not back by p. m. on
| Tuesday she was not to expect him till
the next day.
Tuesday found him on his way home,
but it was foggy in the channel, and it
was midnight when he arrived.
He made his way up the foggy lane
| glad when he found his own gate. He
could see that gas was burning dimly in
the hall
He turned the key. He pushed the door
open, and there was pleasant feeling of
being safe at home, when as his foot
, crossed the familiar threshold he heard
somewhere the jingling sound of an cleo
trio bell. Then there was a whirring noise
of clockwork half way up the stairs in
front of him, and he had barely time to
remember all that Mr.. Cyrus T. Trotter
| had done before his departure when from
the stair came long bright flash, ring
ing report and a whistling ball.
Gr-r-r went the clockworkl Then in
another second flash, bang, whiz, crash,
and a shower of splinters flew from the
door he had just opened and poor Mr..
! Goldsmid realized that the domestic
! gatling'' had come into action.
He dashed wildly into mass of shrubs.
| Suddenly there was sharp snap. He felt
a stroke below his knee which nearly
broke his leg; he was safe in the iron grip
of the beartrap!
After what seemed an age he heard a
police whistle.
Hello, there!' said a gruff voice,
"Whats the matter?''
"Burglars-a whole gang of themi''
and he recognized the well known voice
of his trusty man servant Higgins But
the American hautermatic happeratusses
that master fitted up before he went away
frightened them all off. -
Mr. Goldsmid ventured to call out.
"Higgins!'' he shouted, but he was short
of breath The two policemen drew their
slaves and dashed into the shrubbery.
Snap went beartrap No. 2. Hang it!''
shouted policeman No. 973 as he rolled
over.
His comrade was STOPPING over Mr..
Goldsmid flashing his bullseye in his face.
Help me up said Mr.. Goldsmid.
I'm caught in a trap. Call Higgins here.
Get me out of this, say
By this time Higgins had mustered uI
courage to advance into the shruhbery.
" AcA oOAAAO OuAUJ eiiO wv ',
liberated from the beartraps, and Mr..
Goldsmid was not to be seen at Hatton
Garden for two days after his adventure.
Mr.. Cyrus Trotter called on him in high
glee the very he reappeared at his office.
II reckon he said, my fortunes
made. Why, the apparatus fitted splen
didly. It's got into all the papers, and
shall have no END of orders from your ar
istocracy and gentry"
You may take all your FILINGS out oil
my place and give them to the man who
wants them. would sooner have the
burglars any day. 1 don't blame you, bu
you nearly killed me at my own door"
WELL" said Mr.. Trotter solemnly, 81
you don't like the fixings, why, I'll shift
them, but don't blame me next time yoI
are burgled, that all Tit Bits.
The Mystery of Color In Butter.