The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1897-08-02
TRAMPs ATTACK CYCLISTS
Bold Attempt at Highway Rob
berry on Blagden's Read.
MEDICOS TO THE RESCUE
Five Tramps Hold UP n Party of
Two Ladies' and Two Gentlemen
Their Cries Bring Succor- DR..
Schevin Leads With His Right
The Enemy Routed.

A party of four bicyclists, two ladies and
two gentlemen, were held up by five
highwaymen Saturday night near the top
of the steep hill ON Blagden's IS road, just
above Piney Branch bridge. Only the
timely appearance OF two well-known
Washington wneeinen, DR.. Downey, owner
of the Portland drug store, and DR.. Schevin,
the resident pharmacist OF the Chiidren's
Hospital, ssved the members or tie party
from being desroied of their valuahles.
Blagden's road is fayorite resort of
the local wheelmen, and just above the
Piney Branch Bridge. there is steep
incline known as Blagden's Hill.
The hill is well shaded and au night
it is almost impossible to see yard
ahead. On account OF this and the heavy
grade it is the habit of the eyclers to
walk untii this point is passed.
About 1890 O'Clock Saturday night
Drs. Schevin and Downey went out for
spin and selected this road. Being
expert wheeinnen they decided tn ride
up the hill. When about half way up
they heard cries for help and jumping
off OF their wheels ran in the direction
from whence came the calls.
Here in one or the darkest spots OF the
road they found a quartet OF young people.
two ladies and two gentlemen. in the
clutches OF quintet OF tranps. It was a
clear case Of hold-up, and but for the ap-
pearance of the doctors things might
have been exceedingly serious As it was
matters were decidedly interesting for a
short time. None OF the party had any
weapons except DR.. Downey, who was
possessed of a small clasp knife. which
he flourished boldly in the air at the same
time calling on the highwaymen to ma ke
themselves scarce This they refused to
do until some few minutes had passed, and
they found that Drs. Schevin and Downe y
were Of the stuff from W hich knight-er-
rants are made.
When the reinforcements arrived on the
scene OF battle, DR.. Schevin demanded or
the enemy what they were doing. The
answer OF one was, What business is 1t
of yours?"
The doctor Immediately began hostili-
ties. and struck out with his right, but the
blow was cha haracteristically avoided by the
man disappearing behind friendly fence.
Then he called out Co DR.. Schevin to come
over and fight him. Dr.. Schevin invited
HltAi 70 Slei lutO u bilE iUdtl anu
settle the difference. but the highwayman
did not respond TO the invitation.
The attacked party by this time had re-
covered their courage, and, arming them
selves with stones, the combined forces
succeeded In routing the enemy.
The doctors accompanied the young peo-
pie as far as the Washington and George
town Railroad office and then returned
in search OF the highw aymen, but the lat
ter had made good their escape DR..
Schevin described the men as belonging to
the tramp species and said that the matter
was not reported to the police, as neither
he nor DR.. Downey knew the names nf the
people who were held up.
This is adangerous locality and should
lie well lighted or be under the surveil-
lance of the police. A short time ago a
young boy started TO ride down the hill.
His lamp was out and, being unable TO keep
In the middle OF the road. he dashe off the
side Of the bridge and into the water. He
was picked up anu taken to the Emergency
Hospital, where it was found that his
injuries fortunately were not OF serious
nature.