The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-04
CROOK HOLDS up
GROCER In STORE
AT PISTOL POINT


year-old son Louis when the man opened
the door and walked in. He wanted
| Ginberg to direct him to the home Of
Mr.. Miller. who works at the power
| house and lives in Florida Avenue"
Ginberg knew no such man. said so.
| and went about his duties. The stranger
leaned against the showcase smoking a
cigarette and looking about. After
awhile he said: He customer" point
ing to GInberg's son. mo; that is my
boy said Ginberg. There was more
silence for a few minutes, and then the
stranger wanted a match. I'm the box
there on the showcase said Ginberg.
The stranger fumbled In the box. but
found no match, and asked Glnberg to
get him one.
Ginberg went behind the counter got a
match. and handed It to the stranger. He
lighted his cigarette while Ginberg stud
led him. The man was young. appearing
about nineteen or twenty years old. His
light golf cap sat on his red hair at q
rakish angle. His brown suit was neatly
pressed, and his collar was newly laun-
dered. His black shoes had recently been
polished. and his appearance betokened
his desire for what is called front"
After lighting the cigarette the man
leaned on the counter, supported by his
left elbow. his eyes fixed on Ginberg.
and his right hand in his pocket.
Feared for His Boy.
Suddenly the right hand was extended
out in front OF him. and clutched in the
hand Ginberg saw a shiny pistol. Little
Louis Ginberg whimpered. and the gro
Ger. afraid that the tot might be injured,
became panic-stricken.
Il would not have cared a bit IL the
little boy had not been there. but l was
afraid the man would strike the child.
and it got my nerve that's ALL" said
Ginberg later.
The robber pointed the weapon at Gin
bergs heart and said:
Give me all the money you got. or I'll
shoot to kill
Ginberg removed the cash drawer from
beneath the counter and emptied its con-
tents on the counter. The thief quickly
put the money in his pocket.
Now give me what you got in your
pocket" said the crook.
Il have nothing in my pockets" said
Ginberg
''Oh. yes you have. Come across. or
I'll bore you." spoke the man with the
weapon.
Search me-" said Ginberg. raising his
hands above his head. At this moment
little Louis began wailing. and the crook.
BUN spedhlnb III HIS lONB Sdlli NOlSe'
said to Ginberg:
Make that kid shut up. or I'll kill
him"
The threat against the child sent terror |
into Ginberg. and he entreated the child: |
BE quiet. Louis: please be quiet I'll |
give the man the money and he'll 60 |
Be quiet"
Little Louis only walled louder. The |
thief had been leaning over the counter |
and against a large showcase in such a |
position that his weapon could not be |
seen from the street. As the boy cried !
louder. the man put the gun under his /
coat. with just the nose of the muZZle |
peeping out, and started backing to the |
street door. Outside. he passed slowly |
In front of the show window, watching |
and then disappeared.
Grabbed Butcher Knife.
Ginberg waited a few moments, then
grabbed a butcher knife. went out the
rear door and entered the rear door of
his home, which adjoins the grocery.
Ginberg left the house by the street door.
and re-entered the grocery after scanning
the street In vain for the thief. He then
phoned police headquarters. The store is
lighted by several electric and one large
arc light. beneath which the thief stood
while holding up Ginberg. The man was
In the store ten minutes. and Ginberg
says he would recognize the thief any
where.
News of the robbery spread so rapidly
that seven stores in the vicinity which.
ordinarily. do not close until 1880 o'clock.
had locked doors at $50 o'clock. Police
officials say the hold-up is the most dar-
nP committed in this citV in wears