The Times

"THROW UP YOUR HANDS,"

That is What Thomas Mathias Heard When He Went to the Door on Friday Night of Last Week, in Answer to a Summons.

Thomas Mathias, a wealthy farmer of Owosso township, came to town last Friday afternoon and drew a sum of money from the First National bank. After returning home in the evening and taking care of his team, he went into the house and found an employee, named Hopkins, there, who had come for the purpose of settling a ditch matter.

As Hopkins was about to start for home a loud knocking was heard at the door, and Mr. Mathias, who answered the summons, was immediately requested to hold up his hands. This threat frightened Hopkins, and he immediately started to run for home, but in his haste fell down, and upon arising, was surprised to find two men standing over him, each being masked, and pointing revolvers at him.

He was ordered to march to the house, where he was searched. During his short absence the other robbers had secured Mr. Mathias and his housekeeper, and had bound both of them.

On being asked for his money, the proprietor told the robbers that he had none. They then became abusive and threatened to blow up the house with dynamite if he persisted in refusing their demands. He was then asked for the key to the safe, but he had thrown it away at the first appearance of the robbers. This ruse, however, was of little avail, as the robbers were prepared for any emergency and immediately proceeded to blow up the safe, having brought a quantity of powder with them. They secured what money was in the safe, which amounted to upwards of $300, we understand, and then, after blindfolding and binding the occupants of the house, took their departure.

The men were all masked and the victims were unable to recognize any of them.

That the robbers knew the ground and the lay of the house well, is evident, and for that reason they must have been parties who were acquainted with Mr. Mathias and knew something of his habits.

Up to the time of going to press, no clue to the miscreants had been obtained, and prospects are that the whole transaction will remain shrouded in mystery.