The Tramp-Jail Breakout on the Waterfront

For several days, freight cars standing on the sidetrack had been broken into by tramps who used them as lodging houses. Articles of merchandise were also stolen, and the railroad people began trying to ferret out the culprits. Yesterday, Policeman Willard had three men pointed out to him as persons who had been concerned in the matter. He arrested them and took them to the city jail without trouble. He learned that two others of the gang were loafing around the depot and took them in charge. They went along quietly for a short distance and then one broke loose and ran. The officer gave the other into the charge of a citizen and started after the fugitive. He overtook him in an alley, and an ensuing tussle ensued. The prisoner tripped Officer Willard and attempted to make his escape again, but Willard was on his feet in an instant and secured his prisoner. He handed him over to a powerful civilian and returned to where he had left his other man. The latter had thrown the citizen in whose charge he had been placed and also taken to his heels. Officer Willard gave chase and soon overhauled him. By this time, Officer Briggs and Constable Thornton had arrived and the two prisoners were marched to jail, followed by a couple of hundred men and boys.