The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1898-05-12


business. He had found in our sales
man man to his liking, and he treat
ed him as friend and gentleman. He
was all the time playing little game,
but 1t would have taken a very sharp
man to have discovered any signs of it..
am honest enough to declare that had
been in our salesman's place should
have made mess of it.
When tine pair had been in Chicago
four days and Bryan had taken many
orders for the house but sold nothing
from his stock, Mr.. Baker announced
in laughing way that he had turned
drummer that day to help his friend
cut. The man who ran the factory
wanted to get his wife something
unique i'll the way of birthday pres
ent. Mr.. Baker had drawn him three
or four designs, to be filled up with
loose gems, and if Bryan would accom-
pany him to the house that evening he
would be sure of sale amounting to
at least $1,000. He would be only too
glad to go, of course. lie couldn't ex-
pect ricn man ana busy man to come
to his hotel.
1t was about eight o'clock of an
autumn evening when the two set forth
from the 1-otel in carriage. A light
rain vas falling, and this was an ex-
cuse for putting up the windows of the
carriage. Bryan was fairly well ac-
quainted with Chicago, but in tina:
drive, which lasted about an hour, he
was all turned around. When the ve-
hicle finally stopped he only saw that
the house, which stood alone, had re-
spectacle exterior, and he followed
Baker up the steps and was admitted.
They were greeted by the wealthy
manufacturer, whose name was given
as Harmon, and at once entered the
parlor for business. No servant or any
member of the family was about. There
was some general talk as they lighted
cigars, and then Mr.. Harmon quietly
said:
"Mr. Baker, l am sorry to have
troubled you to make this long ride,
but l could not very we'll come to you
and carry out my plans. The idea is
to rob you of your gems. That was
the plan from the day Baker entered
the store in New York"
You are inclined to joke" replied
Bryan, as he looked from one to the
other and puzzled over the words.
"You will find this no joke" said the
man, as he pulled pistol from his
pocket and rested it on his knee. You
have belt containing lot of gems
strapped around you. Will you hand
it over, or shall we take possession of
it after your death?''
Look here, mani" exclaimed the
salesman rs he started up, but what
sort of game is this? Is it joke to
test my nerve or role-in to rob me?"
Its just this, my dear FRIEND" re-
piled Baker, as he also produced pis-
tol, II brought you here to be robbed.
You are a good fellow and don't want
to hurt you, but we must have those
gems. You are not armed. This house
was hired on purpose to receive you.
We are two against one and have all
the advantage. You must look at it
in sensible way"
Bryan had lots of nerve and pluck,
md for few minutes he detied the
fellows. He was soon made to realize,
however, that they were desperate ras-
calls. and as they were on the point Of
attacking him he announced that he
would surrender the belt.
THAT is good common sense" said
Baker, as he received it. "The loss
does not fall upon you, but upon the
house, which is able to stand it. Now
be as sensible about the next move.
We have got your gems, but we need
lt least "a hours start. We shall lock
you up in closet. You will be supplied
With food, water and cigars, and by
his time tomorrow evening a man will
come and set you free"
Bryan protested and threatened, but
n the end he entered a closet off the |
back parlor and was locked in. Ten !
minutes later he was alone in the
house. There were certain reasons why
re did not care to wait for the lapse OF |
lime. They left him a pitcher of water,
| good luncheon and dozen cigars, |
,ut when satisfied that they had de-
parted he began work on panel of |
he door with his pocket knife. 1t was
solid, hardwood affair, and it was
lours before he weakened the pane! |
to kick it out and squeeze
through. 1t was just growing daylight
when he left the house by a window,
md he found himself five miles from
lis hotel. Only the hall and the parlo1
# the house had been furnished, and
cry poorly at that.
Mr.. Bryan did not have talk with
he first policeman he met, neither did
!e call at the first police station and
eiate his sensational adventure. He
vent straight to his hotel, handed the
lerk a small parcel to put in the Office
afe, and then rubbed his hands and
miled and chuckled and went to bed
nd slept all day. 1t is not for me
o give away the secrets of our busi-
css. but l must tell you that Mr..
ryan was no soft snap. While he had
o suspicious of Mr.. Baker or his friend
ntil too late, he had played the game
hat all diamond statesmen are up to.
Ie xJaS nroyiIad with /, f,,II ..+ox1, .f