The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-07-27
BURGLAR TRAPS.

ton Garden, the chief furniture of which
consisted of two huge safes, which always
contained enough diamonds, polished and
In the rough, to adorn a court.
Mr.. Reuben Goldsmid had very little to
trouble him, but even the most peaceful
lives have their period of unrest, and trou-
bic came to Mr.. Goldsmid in the shape Of
a 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 atten-
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 police?'
''That's just what I want to know"
said the tall man. ''In my country if a
chap goes burgling in a city, why, the po-
lice run him to 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 a telegraph
pole
''An very well talking said the stout
man gruffly. give heard of American
burglaries before this
''See here said the tall man, 'an
American burglar has a lot to do before
he gets inside a house. Your idea here
seems to be to have locks that you can pick
with a crooked nail and window catches
you can open with butter knife. should
like to rip up house and make it safe
and see some of your clever burglars fool
ing around trying to find a way i'm
Mr.. Goldsmid could keep silence no
longer. 81 beg your pardon, sir, 3" he said,
''but I really should like to have a talk
with you. To tell you the truth, if you
can help me to put my house in something
like tolerable state of security I shall be
most grateful I am most anxious, as
sure you. Here is my card. "
"And here is mine, sir. I'm happy to
make your acquaintance, Mr. Goldsmith
and I shall be glad to help you
Mr.. Goldsmid took the card and read
"Cyrus F. Trctter, 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 felt like a man who is beyond
the reach of the dangers that afflict 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 turned the key. He pushed the door
open, and there was pleasant feeling of
being safe at home, when his foot
crossed the familiar threshold he heard
somewhere the jingling sound of an cleo
trio bell. Then there was whirring noise
of clOckwork half way up the stairs in
front of him, and he had barely time to
remember all that Mr.. Cyrus F. Trotter
had done before his departure when from
the stair came long bright flash, ring
ing report and a whistling ball
Gr-r-rl went the clockwork. Then in
another second fash! bangl whiz crash
and a shower of sDlinters flew from the
door he had just opened, and poor Mr..
GOldsmid realized that the domestic Cat
ling had come into action.
He dashed wildly into a 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 bear trap
After what seemed an age he heard a
police whistle.
"Hello, therel'' said a gruf voice.
'Whats the matter?"
''Burglars-a whole gang of themT'
And he recognized the well known voice
of his trusty manservant Higgins But
the American hautermatic happeratusses
that master fitted up before he went away
frightened them all off. -
Mr.. Goldsmid ventured to call out.
"HigginsP' he shouted but he was short
of breath. The two policemen drew their
slaves and dashed into the shrubbery.
Snap went bear trap No. 2. ''Hang itP'
shouted policeman No. 973 as he rolled
over.
His comrade was STOPPING over Mr..
Goldsmid, flashing his bulIseye in his face.
Help me up" said Mr.. Goldsmid.
"I'm caught in trap Call Higgins here.
Got me out of this, 1 say"
By this time Higgins had mustered up
courage to advance into the shrubbery.
With some difficulty the two captives were
liberated from the bear traps, 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 day he reappeared at his
Office.
II reckon" he said, my fortunes
made Why, the apparatus fitted splendid
1y It's got into all the papers, and shall
have no end of orders from your aristoc-
racy and gentry
'You may take all your 'fxings' out of
my place and give them to the man who
wants them. I would sooner have the
burglars any day. 1 don't blame you, but
you nearly killed me at my own door.
well, - said Mr.. Trotter solemnly, "if
you don't like the f1xings, why, III shift
them, but don't blame me next time you
are burgled, that's all Exchange.