POLITE BURGLAR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1038, 2 May 1912, Page 4

POLITE BURGLAR.

A polite burglar is one of tbe by-products of modern civilisation, and South Wales is the lucky district iu which he is operating at present. Early on a recent Saturday he called on Mr H. Bloomfield, of Suunyside, Fairwater grove, near Llaudaff, Cardiff, who was awakened by a light in his room. The sleepy householder rubbed his eyes to find himself confronted by a mau in a mask, who kept his revolver levelled at his head. Mrs Bloomfield, awakening also, promptly screamed. “You foolish woman,” said the burglar, politely reproving her, “keep perfectly quiet. If you do no harm will come to you. If you scream again, I shall shoot you at once.” “You scoundrel,” said Mr Bloomfield. “What do you want here ? Eight the gas and let me see who you are.” The mau, who was holding a match, lighted the gas as requested, all the time covering the two people iu bed with his revolver. He then demanded to know where the money was kept. Mr Bloomfield indicated a jar, which the mau took up, quickly emptying out the contents. “Disgraceful,” he remarked reflectively as be saw the smallness of the coin. The visitor, now ready to make his farewell, moved to the door, and keeping his revolver on Mr Bloomfield, asked if he would kindly turn out the gas. Outside, on the landing, he met Mr Bloomfield’s daughter. She had come from her room to learn what was the noise, and on seeing the revolver she screamed. “All right, my dear,” said the gallant burglar reassuringly. “I shall not hurt you.” He dashed down the stairs and disappeared. Mr Bloomfield went to look iu the jar, and discovered, to his surprise, that the polite visitor had been too quick, and had left a sovereign and three half-crowns iu the bottom. He had abstracted but ios in all. Several articles of jewellery had been overlooked, but a diamond and sapphire ring was gone.