The Traveling Salesman Who Out-Wrestled a Footpad

A hold-up man made a mistake and came near getting what was coming to him when he tackled Alfred N. Smith, a traveling salesman, on Twenty-Fifth street last night about 9:40. Smith was on his way home from the Northern Pacific train. Between Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth on Northrup, a man whom he describes as a 'footpad' suddenly confronted him. It must have been a surprise party for the highwayman, for instead of yielding up his belongings, Mr. Smith showed fight. A Greco-Roman wrestling match ensued, during which a revolver which the robber held in his hands was discharged. Mr. Smith was trying to wrest the gun away from the assailant and suffered severe powder burns on his right hand. The report of the revolver frightened the robber and he broke away from the embrace of his intended victim, leaving the revolver in Smith's hand. Mr. Smith attempted to get a shot at the robber as the latter ran for cover, but found that the remaining chambers of the revolver were empty. Mr. Smith, who is something of an athlete, with a reputation for nerve, proved a tartar to the unfortunate footpad, who was glad enough to do a disappearing stunt in the direction of the Bad Lands. The police arrived 20 minutes late.