A BURGLAR SCARE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 172, 25 March 1915, Page 2

A BURGLAR SCARE.

TOOLED BY A RAT. Manga - ,veka is enjoying a good jok.at the expense of one or two of it:residents, concerning a burglar scare. The story runs, that one individual who evidently suffered from insomnia was walking along the ma:n business portion of the town some time afro nidnight. He was suddenly startled by hearing a strange, uncanny tapping, av chough someone was attempting to commit a crime. He at once hurried to the police station and aroused f he constable. With considerable promptness, the latter accompanied his informant to the supposed scene of the burglary. With bated breath and visions of "jimmies,” skeleton keys, etc., looming before them, they quickly reviewed the situation. The "tapipng” still proceeded and so worked up was the civilian that, it was with difficulty hr was deterred from rushing things by forcing an entrance and "going for” the unseen and unsuspecting burglar. The destruction of the front door was opposed by the police and it was arranged to send for the owner of the premises, who resided over a mile away. Upon the latter’s arrival the premises were unlocked and a Thorough search was made. They were completely baffled. Ho burglar could be found. Again the "tapping” re commenced, and, guided by the sound a closer inspection revealed a rat -s nest in the making! The apparent cause of the tapping was sheeted home to one of Cody’s empty "Tiki” beebottles, lying ab a guide the newh made nest, which tapped against I ie wall as the rat moved about. The rc suit of the find was nothing as compar ocl with the disgust felt at being fooiet.' by "a rat.”--Mangaweka .Settlor,*