The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-03-21
HAVINGFUN WITH A BURGLAR
victim Feisncd Being Asleep and the
Intruder WINS Rallied

| s>tASA =" 80 othihCus
Chicago Tribune: The burglar who
had served short term in the Bride
well for being caught while trying to
leave a house he had entered without
the authority Of the owners, was en-
gagged in the practice OF his profession
again.
They don't catch me in no self-act-
In cage this time" he said to himself,
as he raised a rear window OF the house
he had selected as the scene Of his OPP
erations. and cautiously inslnuated his
head through the opening.
II don't see no cards tellin' me it's
all right. and not to make noise, and
VIII ! please shut the pantry window.
SOS the things won't freeze. I guess
It's all straight
With whispered caution to his con-
federate. who was to remain on guard
outside. he crawled nolselessly in. stood
few moments to listen, and then pro-
ceeded to penetrate further into the in
terror.
Finding only few things worth
stealing on the lower floor he started
up the stairway.
One Of the steps creaked. and he
stopped instantly. T
Not the slightest sound came from
the rooms above him. however, and,
after waiting reasonable time, he
moved forward and upward with great
caution.
Entering what seemed to be the main
upper room. he glanced about him.
Sufficient light came in from the
street lamp across the way to enable
MIN to see n bed In one corner, occu-
pied by man. whose deep and regular
breathing furnished sufficient evidence
that he was sound asleep.
The mans clothing was hanging at
the foot OF the bed.
The burglar moved in that direction
Instantly he heard loud whisper.
Don't do that! You'll wake hint"
Annoyed and alarmed at what he
conceived to be n wholly unauthorized
and bungling attempt on the part of
his confederate to take 4 hand in the
fine work OF the Job, instead OF remain
Ing at his post OF duty outside, he turn
ed his head, and moved back q step or
two.
"st." came the whisper again. loud
er than before.
The burglar glanced at the sleeper
who had not stirred. and then moved
toward the door. with the intention Of
administering voiceess rehuke to his
reckless confederate.
You blamed fooln' whispered the
voice again. You haven't got sense
enough to rob Il sandbank. Let me
do this.''
The burglar peered into the gloom OF
the upper hallway
Not seeing his pal, he stepped out
through the door.
Stop" exclaimed loud. determined
voice. III you move another inch in
this direction. I'll put bullet through
you."
He jumped back. and darted In the
direction of the front window.
hi. there!" spoke another voice.
Cant you see you're running right
into gum"
Trembling in every limb. he stood in
the center OF the room. uncertain what
to do.
He put his hand into his hip pocket.
III you make another motion with
that hand" exclaimed voice In the
darkness, "1'll shoot! I've got the drop
on you"
He stole another glance at the
sleeper.
The man had not stirred.
The burglar felt 4 cold sweat break
Ing out all over him.
Then, as the savage yell OF fierce
dog, apparently under the bed. came
startllngly to his ear, he jumped with
yell OF terror to the window. five
or six feet away, plunged through It.
carrying the sash with him. and rolled
down the kitchen roof into deep snow
bank. from which he emerged n second
later. and fed like deer. followed by
his bewildered confederate.
He had made the horrible blunder Of
trying to rob professional ventrilo-
quist-who happened to be awake.