Argosy All-Story Weekly, April 28, 1928 — page 119: what you’re looking at

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

A Swell Hiding Place The amazing catch found in a net spread to trap burglars following a series of thefts that set a town by the ears HIEF of Police Napoleon Bur- den—better known as Poley— leaned back in his chair, caught either thumb under the corresponding strap of his red “ galluses”’ and ren- dered—facially speaking—an excellent imitation of a person about to indulge in apoplexy. A stranger, coming upon him at that moment, would have dashed for the water cooler if there had been one on the premises. As it was, the only cool- er in the vicinity consisted of two dismal brick cells, located directly un- der the spot occupied by Chief Burden. An intimate, which term might ap- ply to any one of the two thousand souls that made up the normal popula- tion of Green Ridge, Vermont, would have glanced from the purpling face of the peace officer to the damp copy of the Democrat, which lay on the deal table, and he would have understood. Of late, Thursday—when the two rival sheets, the Democrat and the Repub- lican, made their appearance—had been a difficult time for Poley. But perhaps the best explanation of the foregoing lies in the item appearing in a front page box and obviously written by Clem Pitts, editor of the Democrat: HOW LONG MUST WE BEAR THIS BURDEN? For the fifth time in as many weeks, robbers have been at work in Green Ridge! On Sunday afternoon or eve- ning—it appears to be all the same to the daring thieves—Mrs. Joyce Bittles of New York, was robbed of a valu- able diamond and sapphire necklace. The article apparently was taken from her jewel case while her several do- mestic employees and four week-end guests were in the house or on the grounds! $49 COPMICOOOKS