Catching a "Burglar."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 155, 5 July 1904, Page 2

Catching a "Burglar."

The occupation of a plumlber is not usimlly associated with exciting incidents, but an exceptional case is now recorded. A member of the water- 1 pipe brigade was pursuing the even tenour of his way on a "job" at a New Plymouth residence the other day, a job that necessitated some considerable moving from one part of the building to another. Tine family had gone out, Mkit a young man, not unknown in the athletic world, who resided there, was at home and his attention was attracted by what scemod to him—as lie did not know of the advent of the peaceful plumber—the suspicious movements of the stranger. . Tho athlete at once concluded that an enterprising burglar had urrived with his crib-cracking plant, and was preparing to commence operations. He therefore set out to reconnoitre 1 the position, moving around stealthily in a pair of goloshes so that ltis footsteps might not lie heard. The unsuspecting workman continued his jxjramib.ulations, interspersed with occasional attacks of industry, and the amateur burglar catcher as he got closer and closer to his qjuarry dubated how he should avoid the lethal .weapons of Mr Sikos when the supreme moment for action arrived. Concluding that it was a case of do or dare and that promptness would win the day he decided to make a coup de main, and wilh a wild rush sprung upon the plumber, pinioning his arms and inquiring, "with no uncurtain voice." as the Premier says when ho is speaking his mind, ' What the are you doing hero?" When the viclim had recovered sulliciently from his astoniehinirnt, not to mention the discomfort occasioned by his unceremonious treatment, explanations were forthcoming. The- word -'burglar" is now deleted fr om |, h c athletic young mail s vocabulary, and he is anxious that his friends should understand und respect that fact.