Jim Was Trapped.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 62

Jim Was Trapped.

A good story is being told at the expense of a certain village constable. Not long ago a young and pretty housemaid arrived at the big house of the neighbourhood, and it was observed that our friend's beat often took him in that direction. At first she seemed to resent his advances, but suddenly she changed altogether, and the course of true love appeared to ran smooth — for a time. One night he called rather later than usual. It was dark, and his fair one greeted him somewhat coolly, he thought. His doubt, however, disappeared when she suddenly declared that she " would take him into her confidence." She had overheard the particulars of a plot to break into the house and steal the plate. "Now Jim," she said, " here's a chance for promotion. The burglars knew where the plate was kept, so we've shifted it. What I want you to do is to get into the plate cupboard and wait till they come an' open the door — then you'll have 'em." Jim jumped at the chance, and half an hour later was concealed in the cupboard. The burglarH camo as expected, and promptly got to work. The constable chuckled to liimself as he heard the muffled whir — i of a- tool on the outside of the cupboard door, and he grasped hift staff and,;waited.- • ' After some minute's waiting he resolved • to take a cautious peep. But the door was fast, securely screwed on the outside by the burglars. When Jim eventually roused the house and was released from his prison, the burglars and plate, together with the pretty housemaid (a coafederate), had disappeared. Moreover, the constable's position took a good deal of explaining away.