Detective Bob Bridger — page 217: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ows, ’ ~~ _- Ms “~~ ¥ ~. ¥ bs | .. ood xX +s WN ; \ a , KP ms 210 DETECTIVE BOB BRIDGER. terrified man ere the burglar’s clutch had shut off his wind. The next instant Ted, the bartender, and “Jack, the Fork,” had pushed their way into the room and gagged the trembling ‘fence.”’ A pause of a moment ensued, but as Sammy Muggins’ heavy breathing showed that he still soundly slumbered, Goucher opened the eye of his dark lantern and threw it within the room. At a signal from Goucher, Ted, the bartender, and “ Jack, the Fork,” hurried the terrified Jew toward the huge iron safe. Placing him upon his knees before it, they pressed the muzzles of their revolvers against his temples, while Ted, the bartender, in an assumed voice, bade him open the safe, or he would blow out his brains. Muggins made an effort as if to grasp the knob of the safe’s door, then, either fainting or feigning to do so, fell to one side limp and insensible. The burglars then searched his pockets. In a vest-pocket they found the key used in the combina- tion. “Tom, the Frog,” and Goucher examined it closely. Ted, the bartender, and “Jack, the Fork,” hfted Mug: gins’ form, and, placing it upon the vacant bed near by, stood watch for the insensible man’s revival. Fearing that his breath was stopped by the gag, they loosed it, and finally removed it entirely. Goucher placed the dark lantern on the floor with its glare turned upon the door of the safe. “Tom, the Frog,” knelt beside Goucher, and the two strove patiently for a full half hour to work the combina-— tion. The men were all deeply interested in the work, and a eyes eagerly watched the efforts upon the safe’s ock. Suddenly sounded a voice in the room: ‘“Vould you do such ting to poor old Moses vat vas so long your good friend, Mr. Goucher ?” The burglars started in surprise. A. pistol shot would not have startled their nerves more. “Tom, the Frog,” and Goucher bounded to their feet. Goucher caught at the dark lantern, and threw its light whence the voice came. Moses Muggins, pale, and trembling; in terror, sat upright in the bed, glaring toward him. €omicbooks.co