A Conflict With Burglars

A Physician’s Story

by Henry J. Causepohl

A cold drizzling rain poured down incessantly the whole evening, as I was sitting in the cheerful parlor of Dr. LeGrange, in the latter part of April, several years ago. A bright fire was burning on the hearth, which gave the room a ruddy and cheerful aspect. The doctor was absent on a medical visit, but I looked for his return every minute. I secretly congratulated myself, that fate had not made a physician of me, for to be called out in all sorts of weather was not an occupation that would suit my fancy and a doctor’s profession, was by no means one of the pleasantest.

As I was a distant connection to the doctor, he would always insist upon me making my home at his house, whilst I was in the city, which kind offer I never refused, as he was a congenial and entertaining host, always having some intriguing subject at hand to make the hours pass swiftly by. I was deeply interested in reading a late novel by a celebrated writer, as the doctor entered the room. Seating himself near the fire, he pulled an evening paper from his pocket, saying at the same time:

“Have you heard the news, Clarence?”

“No, Doctor, what is it?

“Why, the most daring burglary took place last night, at the commercial Bank. They bound and gagged the night watchman, and then blowing open the safe, helped them selves to all the money the safe contained, which was no inconsiderable amount, but here—I’ll read the account to you.”

The doctor read the full particulars of the bold robbery, after which, our conversation naturally led to burglaries and robberies. I had just given him an account of a robbery that had come under my observation, when he commenced:

“Did I ever tell you how I once was instrumental in breaking up a gang of burglars?”

“No, Doctor, you have not. I am… Read More