Waterbury Democrat., 1901-06-25
2: !. z i z 2 2
 Enough for One Night. He Thought It Too Bad to Disturb the . Police Just for Two Burglars.

tered the office. He was a stout boy of perhaps 19. A plainly dressed boy with big shoes and soft wool hat.
 ''Lookin' for place" said the boy.
 The merchant shook his head.
 "Willin' to do anythin' that's hon orable-except sand the sugar" said the boy.
 The merchant slightly smiled.
 Sand is quite too expensive an in. gredient,'' he said with a little ,ehuckle. You'd be safe from any such temptation here. At the same time, we have no place for you. Good night"
 And he turned back to his writing.
 "No objection to my sittin' here an restin'?" inquired the boy.
 ''No," replied the merchant.
 The boy dropped into a chair and pulled paper from his pocket. Pres. aently he gave low whistle.
 'swell, swami" he said.
 sfEh?" said the merchant, looking up
 "I didn't mean to disturb you," said the boy, 'but was just readin' here how the police had a couple O bur- glars penned up in a vacant house an then let lem get away. Poor lot O shoats, guess"
 "A vacant house?" the merchant re peated.
 'sYes," said the boy. Family gone off to the seaside. Burglars had it all to themselves. Lot O empty houses entered lately. Here's one place where they even carried off the water -,.~ %I. a1.1 l~7
 Don't go away until finish this letter" said the merchant. five got something to say to you"
 "A1l right" said the boy. My times yours
 In few moments the letter was finished and ready for posting. The merchant looked at the big office clock It was 6:3O. All the employees had gone save the porter, who was waiting at the office door to lock up. z The merchant closed his desk and turned to the boy.
 Well" he said, abruptly, "who are you and where are you from?"
 Names Joshua Griscom," replied the boy. "J. Griscom, Perrysburg. Josh for short"
 And what brings you here?''
 Game up as freight" replied the boy. "Got tired of the farm, an wanted to make my fortune. Hung on to a freight train and come to town Been at it for week. If some thin don't turn up tonight I'm goin' back to the farm tomorrow
 Have you any references@ in, quired the merchant.
 Mop" replied the boy.
 Know anybody in town?"
 "Not soul.''
 The merchant looked the boy over.
 .tI think you are an honest lad," he said.
 T have the advantagezof you there,r laughed. the abotT q knew it.''
 The merchant chuck1ed softly.
 You evidently don't lack for strong recommendations from a strictly per sonal source," he said. t'But come with me. Patrick, you may lock up"
 As they passed through the outer door the merchant suddenly stopped.
 Had any supper?" he asked,
 "Yes," replied the boy. 'tIt was my farewell meal. It took my last cent"
 "All right said the merchant, ~tcome aloeg. Now, listen. I want care-taker for my house. My wife and daughters have gone to the seaside and taken all the servants with them. As you have just been reading, good many unoccupied houses have been robbed lately. occasionally sleep at home myself, but there are nights when I want to stay downtown and meet some of my business associates at the hotels. I feel that I need a care-taker at the home-a man to watch the premises day as we'll as night, and make himself generally useful. You seem to have a strong arm and a stout heart, my lad. What do you say to taking the job?"
 Guess I wouldn't fancy it for steady job,'' replied the lad. "But I'll do the best I can, just the same"
 The big house looked gloomy as the merchant and the boy entered it. 'I want you to sleep downstairs the former said. "You can make up a bed on this broad couch in the library. Now come with me and I will show you about the house,
 Everything seems to be in order,'' remarked the owner. eff they find out somebody is in the house they will leave it alone. You are not afraid to sleep here, are you?'
 ''No," said the boy. "I ain't. I was afraid little while ago that I wouldn't have any place to sleep. This l don't scare me mite"
 Good" said the merchant. "You will find all the bed clothing you re- quire in the front chamber And, | here-look at this room off the din- ing-room- This is where my wife has stored her choicest bric-a-brac and ] her fine china and linen. This is the | room that burglars would seek out 1 first of all. I've left it unlocked be- l cause if it were locked the thieves | would be sure to ruin the door in an ] effort to get it open. There, you see | what it is. Just big closet with a | ventilating slit in the outer wall in- stead of a window. My wife had a | spring put on the door as a warning | to the servants to keep it closed It | locks with spring lock, too. Don't | get caught inside it.'' He paused and looked intentIy at |