The National tribune., 1899-09-14

present offices. I had only one room then
now | have the whole floor and typewriters
of my own. and that dearest boy, Charley
keeping books in the cosiest corner possible
Perhaps you think l didn't crochet rug
with my own hands for his feet. Why,
couldn't be so foolish, could I? 1 also
occupy, myself, the Office between his room
and that of the typewriting sisterhood.
THE CRAWFORD AFFAIR.
Now let me get down to the Crawford
affair. On the night of the 18th of August
a robber entered the house and stole the
valuable mementoes OF the old Navy Sur
geon. They consisted of jeweled swords
gold and silver relics from church affairs
curious work of high artistic stamp in
stones and precious metals, having value
to the virtuoso of many thousands of dol
lars-intrinsically worth probably $4,000
1t was robbery committed by no common
thief, but by someone not only acquainted
with the house but with the values of the
articles taken. 1 always thought that the
theft of these things would be an act of
grace, for regarded them as the probable
profit of some old piracy on the part of the
doctor years and years ago; but that had
nothing to do with the fact that they were
stolen from persons who held in them dis
tinct title. The sensation was the most
profound that ever moved from a similar
cause. It was the extent Of the robbery,
the popularity of its articles, the secrecy of
the act. the wide field of speculation as to
identity of the thief, the method of his work
| ing, whether he stole for spoils or desire of
possessing art treasures that lent interest
to it from every source.
An added factor of attention was from the
fact that only q few days before, at a public
dinner, Mr. Crawford had announced that
on his death the collection should pass to
the city to befadded to its less important
treasures of like character. The stir this
announcement made was emphasized in
the newspapers, which described with more
or less accuracy the various articles. AS
result many we're inclined to believe that
this publicity had given direction to the
efforts of a gang of skillful burglars by
whom the robbery had been successfully
completed. 39iSi
After the city force had exhausted their
usual list of failures, was sent for 1t does
not need to be told that had taken deep
interest in the case, and when summoned to
its investigation 1 was well equipped to
take up the serious work. see by my
EDITORS division of labor on this narrative
that am not to tell what steps took, what
great mistakes and what great success
had.
found the first person looked for at the
Continental Hotel in room 81 had the ad-
joining apartment, and at midnight
knocked at her door-she opened it and
called her into the hall.
was never so sorry in making an arrest.
She looked so beautiful, SO apprehensive
and SO frightened. 1 showed her my war
rant. She put her hand on my breast and
gave me violent shove, for which I was
prepared. Before she could get into the
-oom or even reach the door 1 had hand
cuffs on her. Just then the dear old idiot,
Charlie-so dear and imbecile-came rush.
ing upstairs. He simply spoiled my whole
.ase. drew the woman into my own room,
fastened the door, boIted the window, took
,ff the handouts and said to her:
NOW, my dear, do not get excited; have
lone. you this indignity in order to save
you."
L.