The Great Front Street Shirt Heist

Late yesterday afternoon, Mr. Levy, who keeps a little variety store on Front Street, detected a fellow named Cassius Hanson stealing goods from his store. The thief had gobbled a black overshirt and was just getting away with it when Mr. Levy caught sight and held him. Presently, Officer Gardner, who was coming down the street, noticed the commotion and hastened to the scene. As he approached, the thief realized his danger, broke away from his captor, and started up Front Street at a breakneck speed, closely followed by the policeman. Reaching Columbia Street, the thief turned the corner and made for the incline. On reaching the bay, he plunged in and swam to a pile, which he grasped. In his haste, he had dropped the stolen shirt. The officer threw rocks after the thief, but the pile protected him, as he would circle around it like a monkey. A crowd of small boys soon assembled on the wharf and, with the permission of the officer, they stoned him till he was glad to release his hold on the pile and swim for the shore, which he reached in safety, only to be arrested and marched before Justice Hill on a territorial charge of petit larceny. The fellow pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay a fine of $25 and costs, in default of which he was sent to the King County Jail.