The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1902-08-27
THE GREAT OPERA
HOUSE HOLDUP
By J. p. CoUGHLAN

Copyright, 1901, ~ 4. $. Richardson

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The Oaktree Opera House was un-
usually crowded, The people of Oak
tree are drama loving community,
and the WatsonDuval Double Star
combination was giving Hamlet"
The manager estimated that there was
at least $500 in the house, his prosaic
way of summing up the value of the
audience from the box office point of
view. There WAS good deal more
than 5000 In the house from the prae-
teal financial view of Gentleman
George, known In the adjacent noun
tains, where he made his headquar-
tiers. as the leader OF The Red Caps.
Gentleman George had Il reputation
that branched out into several of the
adjoining states. His methods of brig
andage were more novel than the un-
originality of his sobrlquet would lead
you TO believe; but, then. he was not
responsible for the adjective.
Gentleman George visited Oaktrec
occasionally. but a discreet population
refused to recognize him. and the au-
thorities were conveniently unaware
of his identity; hence 1t was quite in
order as with other personages. that
he should attend the performance at
the opera house ineog.
The curtain had fallen on the second
net and the audience was for settling
itself back into its seats when Il tall,
bearded. distinguished looking gentle
man In evening dress appeared before
the curtain and made sign to the au-
dienee begging their attention. The
audience Grained forward in their seats.
The mHh raised an impressive hand
and began:
Ladies aud gentlemen. | trust that
shall have your undivided attention.
We are about this evening to vary the
programme slightly and shall, with
your kind indulgence, offer little
comedy, part of whose action Will take
place In the body Of the house | think
1t well to warn you beforehand that 1t
seats. If you obey this injunction, you
will be In no danger whatever, but
should YOU become FESTIVE serious ac-
cidents may happeh
Now let me add that il will be Inn
possible for a single person to leave the
theatcr until the finish Of the little
comedy. If don't rise from your seats,
pleasc-you Will look toward the exits
you will see that they are carefully
guarded"
Eyes We're instantly turned TO the
doors. At each door on the two tiers
that included floor and balcony of the
little theater stood resolute looking
man holding brace of revolvers and
wearing red cap. tendency to
scream on the pnrt Of the women was
depressed by the impressive hand Of
the man Oh the stage. who had 10y this
time also doancd II red cap.
"No danger. friends" he called out In
an amiable voice ALLOW me to intro
duce myself | am Gentleman George,
and you know my reputation. III you
are reasonable. you will not be touched
that Is TO say, you VIII only be
touched mildly, for what valuables you
may happen to have upon you. The
good people behind the scenes are safe
IN the hands of my comrades All com
munication with the outside Is cut off.
Every door is guarded. There is not n
head In this house that Is not covered
with Red Cap gun, AS long as you
sit still you are In no danger, but the
moment you try TO get gay or stow
away any Of your goods or put us TO
any trouble you will hear
The ominous elipsis ut the end of the
last sentence had all its intended effect,
"Now that we understand each 9th
err" continued the speaker. "our col
lectOrs will pass among you, and !
trust you Will remember that their
time is valuable and cannot be wasted
In disputes. In the meantime there Is
no reason why the music should not
continue. II you please, Mr.. Professor,
strike up"
To the somewhat tremulous music
of the piano three men moved sys
tematically through the lower floor of
the theator. each one carrying slung
over his shoulder large leather bag
such as is carried by postmen, while
three others similarly equipped went
at the same time through the balcony.
Ladies may keep their wedding
rings" called out the chief robber,
who shouted out from time to time Or
ders to his men and to the audience
from the stage.
Please sir, may keep this? 1t was
my mothers" said young girl In a
tremulous voice from the balcony as
she held up n small brooch In her hand
for Gentleman George to see.
Certainly, my child. Jim, see that
the young lady keeps her brooch"
Presently requests of various kinds
began to come from all parts of the
house In some cases the requests
were granted Immediately, others as
CURLY refused and still others compro-
missed. Some citizens were allowed to
keep trinkets they valued by giving an
II. o. IT," for their value. This unex-
pected turn to the proceedings gave the
affair flavor of the auction room, and
In the excitement, coupled with peeps
into the heart secrets of others, the
women forgot In great measure their
fright. This result was greatly con-
tributed to by the good natured way In
which the thieves did their robbing.
"Now, my friends" said Gentleman
George after pause, everything
seems TO be moving serenely and while
the rest OF the collection is being made,
with your kind permission, | Will en-
deavor to entertain you with little
song. Can you accompany me In The
Suwance River professor"
Certainly. SIR
IF you please, then"
In sweet, rich tenor voice the