The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-07-26
! An Eioping Couple. !
) A Detectives Story Of a Jewel :
Robbery. :

dressed, gentlemanly man of about 80.
We chatted pleasantly about the scenes
through which we passed, and when the
train stopped for refreshments we went
together to the restaurant. l was help
ing myself to a slice Of fine Yorkshire
ham, when my companion said:
"Would you oblige me by cutting a
slice for me? Unfortunately have lost
the use of my left hand"
OF course did as he desired, and after
we returned to the car and the train was
in motion he said, extending his left
hand:
This hand is good enough to look at,
but some years ago the tendons were sew
cred near the wrist, and for all practical
purposes 1t is useless"
Twas young then, and my curiosity led
me to ask how the accident happened.
"AccidentT' he said with short laugh.
1T can hardly be called an accident. You
see, was on the London detective force
at the time, and thief whom l captured
slashed me with a knife. held on to
him nevertheless, and my gentleman got
long term. The government dealt lib
orally with me, and so did the firm who
pro6ted by the capture. SO that when l
resigned soon afterward was able to 60
into business and have succeeded beyond
my expectations"
"You must have had many curious ex-
periences" said, hoping to hear some
of his adventures in his career as a de-
tective.
"Well, few" he answered. "You see,
there is a good deal of commonplace, un-
interesting work which detective has to
do Of no interest in itself except as to
those who have suffered loss or injury.
There is one incident, however, l will re-
late to you If you have no objections, and
think you will find that it is good deal
out of the common"
I answered him that it would please me
greatly il he would do 80. What follows
is the story:
l had captured an escaped convict Che
said for whom the detective force had
been looking for some time, and this
man, in hope, no doubt, Of securing le-
niency, gave me important information as
to burglary contemplated by his pals.
The place was the residence in one of the
midland counties of country squire
named Horton, n man of wealth, whose
wife possessed jewelry of great value.
Two expert thieves, who had operated in
the British colonies and America, and
were unknown to the London police, were
to do the job; and the convict gave full
particulars as to the locality, the time
and so forth. In the afternoon before the
night fixed on for the robbery l and an
associate, dressed as countrymen, visited
the place and inspected it. We were very
careful to ascertain that Mr.. Horton
lived there, and we learned further that
he was attending meeting of ironmas-
tiers in the north.
Everything around the place was quiet.
At half past 8, when it was pretty
dark, we went across the field by foot
path and struck the road, which ran by
the side of the house, some distance be-
yond the door in the wall. The lane at
this point was thickly wooded and an
other road ran to the left. As we passed
over the stile into the lane saw, almost
opposite and in deep shadow a carriage
and pair. l pulled my companion down
into the hedge and we saw the carriage
pretty distinctly. AT the same time we
discovered man approaching slowly
from the direction of the house, and so
we cautiously crawled back over the stile
into the field.
The man stopped when he reached the
carriage, and we had no doubt that he
was the driver, for he opened the car
riage door, looked in, drew down the
blinds, fumblcd with the harness and
then walked on and turned down the road
leading to the left, lighting his pipe as
he went. We instantly climbed over the
stie into the road and FASTENED in a
crouching attitude toward the house,
keeping well in the shade. We were pref
ty certain that something would happen
soon. and so it did.
The door into the lane opened, and
man, wearing long overcoat, came out,
followed by woman. Immediately be-
hind came another man, carrying large
valise. The door was carefully closed,
and the three walked toward the car
riagc. We followed with noiseless tread
walking on the turf side of the path ana
keeping in the thickest Of the shade.
The driver was already on the box,
with the reins gathered in his hand. The
man and woman entered the carriage.
The other man handed in the valise and
closed the door. Then he mounted the
rumble.
Jump up and keep him silent with
your revolver" l whispered. an take
the driver"
The carriage was already in motion as
we mounted to our respective places.
IF you utter a sound, I'll blow your
brains QUIT" whispered to the coach
man.
He was startled and would have fallen
from the seat il I hadn't clutched him.
He recovered himself, and away we
went. As learned afterward, my asso-
clate was equally successful with his
man. We drove for six miles and reach
cd railroad station, as we could see by
the lights. AS the carriage drew up
jumped down. and when the man and
woman alighted clapped the nippers on
the man. My associate did the same with
his man. each one saying in the usual
form, you're my prisoner"
called my associate aud gave my pris-
,ner into his charge. In an instant we
lud them locked together, and then l
ook charge of the woman.
Now, you must understand that while
his was going on oil Of them were pro-
esting in angry tones.
"What Is the meaning Of thisT the
nan with the woman asked after l had
made everything safe.
at MEANS" said l, that you are ar
ested for burglary"
Burglary" lie exclaimed. Then he
oned down and said: "My dear fellow,
'ou've made an awful mistake. In Gods
lame, listen, aud you'll see what nice
ness you have put me in and this gentle
,oung lady as well. l have loved her
png, and her friends objected, and this is
My an clopement."
The lady began to weep and to entreat
ne not to delay them, and admit that
cit rather queer.
Just then well dressed man came out
4 the station, for it was late, and only
ew persons were around waiting for the
lext train.
"Hcre, station master" said my prison
r, "you know me, don't you"
Certainly" was the answer. "You
re Captain Manning
"You hear that, sir?" said the prisoner.
I have been coming here for years l
IN Captain Manning Of the Royal high
anders and this is niece of the gentle
nan whose home she has just left"