THE MODERN CLUTCHES OF THE LAW
(Fragment from a Criminal Romance)
The burglar had so far been successful. He had broken open the safe and transferred its contents to his pocket without disturbing the household. He had come down the creaking stairs with less than the customary noise. He was in sight of the street door, which, once opened, passed, and closed, would lead to freedom.
It was a pleasant prospect.
“It will delight my wife and little ones,” he murmured. “With the proceeds of this night’s work I shall be able to take them a trip to the Continent.”
Then he walked forward and opened the street door. In a moment he was seized by mechanical hands, and found himself manacled.
“Confound it!” he cried; “I had forgotten that recently patented novelty—the automatic policeman!”
MANNERS OF THE BAR
A sketch in the law courts, showing the patient and respectful attention of the counsel for the plaintiff during the speech of counsel for defendant.
Her “Court” Dress.—Fair Defendant in Cause Célèbre (reading report of yesterday’s proceedings). “The idiots! There’s no trusting one’s reputation with these newspapers. They describe my heliotrope poplin as puce alpaca with a muslin frill!”